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?

Article Update: Guidance to ships for safe Rigging of Pilot Ladders (1st May)

by AIMPA - All India Marine Pilots' Association - published on 1 May 2021

Version from 1st May 2021: Ships that require the services of a pilot need to ensure that the Pilot Transfer Arrangements (PTA) they provide are in compliance with the requirements prescribed under SOLAS V/23 and IMO Resolution A.1045(27) [as amended by IMO Resolution A.1108(29)].

Video Pilotboarding operation Inbound vessel | Maersk Colombo

published on 4 February 2026

This vlog gives you a behind-the-scenes look at: 🚤 Pilot boat handling and maneuvering ⚓ Harbor pilot boarding procedures 🌊 Working in rough seas and strong currents 🚢 How large vessels enter and leave port safely 🧭 Real maritime operations from the bridge Whether you’re a seafarer, ship enthusiast, maritime student, or just curious about life at sea — this is real pilot boat life, unfiltered and professional. 👍 Like the video if you enjoy maritime content 📩 Subscribe for daily pilot...

Video Pilot Vessel "Golden Gate" under the Golden Gate Bridge

published on 8 December 2021

Boat to boat Pilot transfer, to the Pilot Vessel Golden Gate, under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Article Finnpilot In 2021: Reliable Pilotage Service Amid The Covid-19 Crisis

published on 18 March 2022

Finnpilot released its annual report for 2021. The impact on the amount of Finland’s international imports and exports significantly affected vessel traffic and the number of pilotage assignments. The number of pilotage assignments in coastal waters decreased by 1.9% from the previous year. In the Saimaa region, the number increased by 5.3% from the previous year.

Video Embarking the pilot at the Port of Açu in rough weather

published on 20 May 2022

Embarque mais cedo hoje no Porto do Açu (RJ). Prático Diogo Weber.
#Praticagem #ZP15 #PraticagemDoBrasil #NaoPara #24h #EficienciaNosPortos

Video Pilot Boat "Pacific Scout" in Victoria, BC

published on 30 May 2024

Found on YouTube. Created by "Capt Larry ". Originally published on 2024-05-24.

Video Möt Hanna, female Marine Pilot at Sjöfartsverket

published on 22 January 2022

Möt Hanna, en av våra oumbärliga lotsar på Sjöfartsverket. Som lots fyller hon en viktig funktion, både i bryggteamet på fartygen och i ett större perspektiv. Eftersom vi i Sverige har lotsplikt, är Hanna och hennes kollegors arbete avgörande för den svenska sjöfarten.