Washington State 
Board of Pilotage Commissioners
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Forms/Directories
  • Become a pilot!
    • Next Exam
    • Requirements
    • Process Overview
    • Piloting in WA State
    • Upcoming Events
    • 2026 Exam Resources
  • Safety
    • Boater Safety
    • Pilot Transfer Safety
  • DEI
  • Rules & Regulations
    • Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Implementation
    • Number of Pilots
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • About Us
      • Contact
      • Forms/Directories
    • Become a pilot!
      • Next Exam
      • Requirements
      • Process Overview
      • Piloting in WA State
      • Upcoming Events
      • 2026 Exam Resources
    • Safety
      • Boater Safety
      • Pilot Transfer Safety
    • DEI
    • Rules & Regulations
      • Rulemaking
      • Tug Escort Rulemaking
      • Tug Escort Implementation
      • Number of Pilots
    • Pilotage Exemptions
    • Meetings
    • Communications
Washington State 
Board of Pilotage Commissioners
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Forms/Directories
  • Become a pilot!
    • Next Exam
    • Requirements
    • Process Overview
    • Piloting in WA State
    • Upcoming Events
    • 2026 Exam Resources
  • Safety
    • Boater Safety
    • Pilot Transfer Safety
  • DEI
  • Rules & Regulations
    • Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Implementation
    • Number of Pilots
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications

It's your time! Take the next pilot training exam on April 13, 2026!

Applications are open now until March 13, 2026!

Find the application packet here.

Why pilot in Washington state?

  • $9,500 monthly training stipend
  • Top record for safety
  • No prior local knowledge or local experience required to qualify for application
  • Anonymous exam process
  • Work on some of the most beautiful waterways in the U.S.
  • Pregnancy and major medical leave (Puget Sound Pilots Association Members)

What do I need to qualify?

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Work with 1600 GT license for at least 2 years prior to application
  • Have 1-2 years command time depending on vessel class
  • Qualification is subject to application and sea time review by the Board of Pilotage Commissioners (*not all command time meets Washington state qualification)


Want to know more?

Requirements

Learn more here

Process Overview

Learn more here

Piloting in WA State

Learn more here

Upcoming Events

Learn more here.

2026 Exam Application

Learn more here.

BPC Annual Report

Learn more here.

Copyright © 2025 Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners - All Rights Reserved.

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