Article

Be A San Francisco Bar Pilot: Pilot Trainee Training Program

published on 15 March 2022 - 304 -

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The Board of Pilot Commissioners administers a maritime pilot training program. Graduates of the program become Board-licensed maritime pilots. Entrance into the program is via a selection examination.

Before submitting an application: The minimum requirements for entrance into the Pilot Trainee Training Program, are outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 7, Subsection 213. The Board has initiated regulatory changes that will put in place new minimum experience qualifications to qualify for the exam. These will include allowing Chief Mate experience, piloting in other jurisdictions, and lower tug tonnage requirements. These rule changes can be found here. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be admitted to the examination.

2022 Pilot Trainee Training Program Selection Examination

The next Pilot Trainee Training Program Selection Examination will be held in June 2022 at the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) in Vallejo, California.

2022 Exam Application
Trainee-Applicant-Handbook-2022
BOPC Exam Press Release 2022
FAQ – How to become a pilot trainee – Frequently asked questions
2019 Trainee Written Exam Reference List (this will be updated when written exam is finalized)
2019 Trainee Exam Simulator Orientation Video

San Francisco Bar Pilots

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Opinion If you facilitate 90% of the world's trade, would you influence change?

by Melvin Mathews - published on 1 December 2020

Without a shadow of doubt, shipping is a key enabler of our current way of life and the globalized world we live in today. The irony is that the average person is unaware of the significance or contribution of the shipping industry and how much we rely on ships working without disruption

Video 24/7 Live Webcam - Kiel Canal at Kiel Lock in Germany | Nord-Ostsee-Kanal Schleuse Kiel

published on 29 August 2020

Webcam Schleuse Kiel-Holtenau | Webcam Lock Kiel-Holtenau
Pilotage Service in this Area by:

Video HURON SPIRIT / PILOT BOAT - Downbound Photo Op - Port Huron, Michigan 7-10-2025

published on 16 July 2025

HURON SPIRIT / PILOT BOAT - Downbound Passenger & Guests Photo Op Touch and Go Along Side Dirk S. Van En Kevort / Michigan Trader On The St. Clair River At Port Huron, Michigan.
HURON SPIRIT / PILOT BOAT - Downbound Demonstrating A Touch And Go Along Side The Dirk S. Van Enkevort / Michigan Trader For A Photo Op With Special Guest Onboard on the St. Clair River At Port Huron South of the Blue Water Bridges.

Video Milford Pilots during lock down (Pilot Movie 3)

published on 1 August 2020

milford pilots during lock down

Article Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for shipping industry by ICS

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 9 March 2020

Thursday 5th March – The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued brand new guidance for the global shipping industry to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The comprehensive 22-page document has been produced in collaboration with prominent international bodies.

Video Bermuda Pilot Transfer

published on 6 February 2023

Oct. 13, 2022
Harbor pilot departing the NCL Prima in rough seas.

Article Article from China: Maritime pilots to escort Hainan's port development

published on 12 October 2020

The "Overall Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port" announced on June 1 this year proposes to build the Hainan Free Trade Port into an important gateway for deepening the country's reform and opening-up policy.

Article Pilot fell overboard during a storm off the coast of Borkum (Germany) and was rescued

published on 15 January 2023

The crew of a pilot boat rescued a 47-year-old colleague from the North Sea during a severe storm and darkness. The pilot fell overboard early on Sunday morning.

Video Scheepskijker Havenfotografie Pilotboat Lesath on her wa

published on 9 November 2020

Filmed pilotboat Lesath outbound for her new pickup/drop off ..
These brave man now to bring the ships safe in Port of Rotterdam.
#scheepskijker_havefotografie #maritimepilots #portofrotterdam

Opinion Sea Trials in Stroms at the Entrance to Cork Habour

by Safehaven Marine - published on 3 March 2020

The entrance to Cork Harbour situated on the South coast of Ireland can produce some pretty extreme sea states during the winter storm months. There are two main factors that influence the sea state at the entrance, the first being the ebbing tide, the second being shoaling waters over the Harbour Rock, this is situated at the entrance to the Harbour off Roches Point lighthouse, right in the middle between the Western and Eastern channel entrances.