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
    • Resources & Events
    • 2026 Exam Application
  • Safety
    • Boater Safety
    • Pilot Transfer Safety
  • DEI
  • Rules & Regulations
    • Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Number of Pilots
    • RCW 88.16.180
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications
  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • About Us
      • Contact
      • Forms/Directories
    • Become a pilot!
      • Next Exam
      • Requirements
      • Process Overview
      • Piloting in WA State
      • Resources & Events
      • 2026 Exam Application
    • Safety
      • Boater Safety
      • Pilot Transfer Safety
    • DEI
    • Rules & Regulations
      • Rulemaking
      • Tug Escort Rulemaking
      • Number of Pilots
      • RCW 88.16.180
    • 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
    • Resources & Events
    • 2026 Exam Application
  • Safety
    • Boater Safety
    • Pilot Transfer Safety
  • DEI
  • Rules & Regulations
    • Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Number of Pilots
    • RCW 88.16.180
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications

It's your time! Take the next exam on April 13, 2026 and join us as a Washington State Pilot!

Applications will be open November 13, 2025 to March 13, 2026

In the meantime, we invite you to take a closer look at the world of pilotage in Washington state.

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)


Find out more

Requirements

Learn more here

Process Overview

Learn more here

Piloting in WA State

Learn more here


Resources and Upcoming Events

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Learn more here

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

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