Examination Qualifications
Sea/Service Experience and Recency Requirements
For additional exam qualifications see Title 7, California Code of Regulations § 213.
| Pathway | Minimum qualifying sea/service experience (document with discharge certificates or CCP § 2015.5 declarations) | Additional credential requirement | Recency requirement (relative to application cut-off date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Master (self-propelled) | 1 year in command of a self-propelled vessel greater than or equal to 1,600 Gross Registered Tons | None beyond the program’s baseline license requirements | Entire 1 year within 4 years of exam application cutoff date; greater than or equal to 6 months within 2 years of exam application cutoff date |
| B. Chief Mate (self-propelled vessel) | 2 years as Chief Mate on a self-propelled vessel greater than or equal to 1,600 Gross Registered Tons | Must hold a master’s license of any gross tons | Entire 2 years within 5 years of exam application cutoff date; greater than or equal to 1 year within 3 years of exam application cutoff date |
| C. Commercial Pilot (non-crew member) | 1 year as a full-time commercial pilot (not crew) directing/controlling vessels greater than or equal to 1,600 Gross Registered Tons in waters where pilotage is legally required | Must hold at least a federal license (with unlimited radar) as Master less than or equal to 1,600 Gross Registered Tons | Entire 1 year within 4 years of exam application cutoff date; greater than or equal to 6 months within 2 years of exam application cutoff date |
| D. Towing vessel command | 2 years in command of: (1) a towing vessel greater than or equal to 50 Gross Registered Tons engaged in ship assist or bay/ocean towing or (2) a towing vessel less than 50 Gross Registered Tons where tug plus tow combined are greater than or equal to 1,600 Gross Registered Tons | None beyond the program’s baseline license requirements | Entire 2 years within 5 years of exam application cutoff date; greater than or equal to 1 year within 3 years of exam application cutoff date |