Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners
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  • 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
      • Tug Escort Rulemaking
      • Tug Escort Implementation
      • Rulemaking
      • Number of Pilots
      • Legislation
    • 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
    • Tug Escort Rulemaking
    • Tug Escort Implementation
    • Rulemaking
    • Number of Pilots
    • Legislation
  • Pilotage Exemptions
  • Meetings
  • Communications

Requirements

Not required to apply:

  • Knowledge of or experience on local waterways
  • Federal pilotage (can be obtained while training - see below for more information)
  • Travel to Washington state to take the written exam


Required to apply:

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Proof of qualifying sea time and license level
  • Complete and submit the application by March 13, 2026
  • Pay the $400 application fee

Per WAC 363-116-0751 Qualifications for pilot applicants

Federal Pilotage Requirements

NOT REQUIRED FOR EXAM QUALIFICATION OR ENTRY INTO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

FCP Packet (rev 2024) - Puget Sound (pdf)Download
FCP Packet (rev 2015) - Grays Harbor (pdf)Download

Copyright © 2026 Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners - All Rights Reserved.

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