Contact Us | Privacy Statement
All material on this site is © 2017 Washington Board of Pilotage Commissioners
Qualification, application, training program, and licensure are
regulated by state law.
All applications are subject to validation and sea time review by the BPC.
Not Required to Apply:
- Knowledge of or experience on local waterways
- Federal pilotage (can be obtained while training)
- Travel to Washington state for the Written Exam
| Vessel Type | Minimum Size | Waters | Minimum Time |
| Cargo or Tank | 5,000 GRT or 10,000 GT (ITC) | Ocean or near coastal | 1 year sailing as master |
| Cargo or Tank | 700 GRT or 1,400 GT (ITC) | Ocean or near coastal | 2 years sailing as master |
| Cargo or Tank | 1,600 GRT or 3,000 GT (ITC) | Inland | 2 years sailing as master |
| Passenger or Ferry | 1,600 GRT or 3,000 GT (ITC) | Ocean, near coastal, or inland | 2 years sailing as master |
| Towing | 100 GRT or 300 GT (ITC) towing/barge combination greater than 1,600 GRT or 3,000 GT (ITC) | Ocean, near coastal, or inland | 2 years sailing as master |
| Ship Assist | 100 GRT or 300 GT (ITC) | Inland | 2 years sailing as master or 4 years as mate/master with a minimum of 1 year as master |
| Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) | Combined 10,000 GT (ITC) | Ocean or near coastal | 4 years sailing as mate/master with a minimum of 1 year as master |
| U.S. Flag Government | 3,000 Displacement Tons | Ocean, near coastal, or inland | 2 years as commanding officer or master |
| * Special Purpose | 1,600 GRT or 3,000 GT (ITC) | Ocean, near coastal, or inland | 2 years sailing as master |
| State Licensed Pilot or Navy Civil Service Pilot | 1,600 GRT or 3,000 GT (ITC) | Ocean, near coastal, or inland | 2 years as pilot and 120 vessel moves |
Required to Apply:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proof of Qualifying Sea Time and License Level
- Complete and Submit application forms and $400 fee by (TBD)
VESSEL, COMMAND, AND SEA TIME REQUIREMENTS