Article

Be A San Francisco Bar Pilot: Pilot Trainee Training Program

published on 15 March 2022 - 304 -

Show comment section |

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

What's your opinion on this?

Video New simulators at STC Group

published on 16 February 2022

The Netherlands is a world leader in maritime technology. Many companies at the port of Rotterdam are dedicated to expanding the field. One of these companies is VSTEP Simulation, developer of maritime simulators and software for training purposes. Port of Rotterdam Authority is using these solutions to train commanding officers for its vessels.

Video Webcam Duluth Bridge

published on 28 October 2020

From atop the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth, these cameras provide one of the most intimate views of Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge and Shipping Canal. Watch ships from around the world arrive and depart the Twin Ports as they traverse the cold waters of Lake Superior. The cameras are owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers' Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center with funding from the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association. (technical assistance provided by...

Video MV LYRIKA (Lithuania) and Harbour Pilot Cutter leaving Port of King's Lynn

published on 14 May 2021

Drone footage from King's Lynn.

Article Improve comfort, safety and maneuvering with Humphree.

published on 24 September 2020

By using Humphree's trim and stabilization system, you will reduce resistance, fuel consumption and environmental impact. It also means that the best possible performance and stability is achieved.

Humphree USA reports that it has won numerous orders this year for its automatic stabilization technology in the North American pilot boat segment, with nine new boats either delivered or under construction for eight different pilot associations.

Video Ship piloting in pandemic times in Santa Marta, Colombia

published on 5 April 2020

It has been 1 month since the 1st case of coronavirus in the country. All airports were shut down, and mandatory confinement was issued 10 days ago. Nevertheless, Maritime shipping must continue (except for tourist related). The means that us pilots must continue with our duties despite the risks involved with all the ships' crews arriving from different countries. So we need to take all safety measures possible.
This particular maneuver was unberthing a chemical tanker, in loaded...

Video Crazy Pilot Boarding when the vessel is rolling heavy

published on 21 December 2019

What a dangerous situation. Never seen that before.

Video Pilot Vessel "PILOT 83" Crossing the Rambler Channel in HK 20250912

published on 30 September 2025

Article Incident on 31 January 2020 : A rope of the pilot ladder breaks. Pilot could still reach the vessel

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 3 February 2020

Itajai, Brazil. Photo and video

Video How Ship Anchor Works? - Procedure For Anchoring a Ship at Sea

published on 11 July 2020

#Anchor #shipanchor #windlass Anchoring is one of the very frequent operations onboard ships. A number of variables and external factors influence the duration and location of an anchoring operation. While the type of seabed is of utmost importance during anchoring, soft muddy grounds or clay bottoms are best preferred. It should be taken care that the anchoring bottom is free of power lines, submarine cables, pipelines or rocks. Various methods on anchoring include consideration of...

Video Danish Pilot Vessel Merkur

published on 5 March 2025

Danpilot Merkur (MMSI 219001061) Pilot Vessel. Displacement 20. L. 13.90. W. 4.60. Built 1995. Dockstavarvet, Sweden. Flag Denmark.