Examination Resources
Knowledge-Based Test
The 2026 Knowledge-Based Test (KBT) will be administered on Monday, July 20, 2026. The exam will be computer-based, utilizing a web-based test platform. Additional information will be released before the KBT.
Examinees will take the exam in a location of their choosing, as long as the environment meets the requirements set for the 2026 Remote Proctoring Guidelines, which will be provided to applicants following their approval for the test.
Simulator Examination
The objective of the 2026 Simulator Evaluation Examination (SEE), which will be conducted in person at Cal Poly Maritime (August 11–14, 2026) is to assess an applicant’s overall skills and proficiency to become a pilot trainee.
More information regarding the SEE will be provided to applicants as the exam timeline progresses.
Reference Materials
A complete bibliography of materials referenced in the exam components is expected to be provided in early April 2026. The resources in this section are a preliminary list of reference materials that may be used to begin preparation for the Board’s Pilot Trainee Examination. For questions regarding the exam bibliography resources, please email the Board at bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov.
References and Regulations
- Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook, Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, August 8, 2024 ISBN 978 1 976794322
- 33 CFR 165.1181, Regulated Navigation Areas, San Francisco Bay Region, California
- Title 14 California Code of Regulations, Subdivision 4, OSPR, Chapter 4 Vessel Requirements, Subchapter 1, Tank Vessel Escort Regulations
- UPRR Bridge Communication Protocol – San Francisco Marine Exchange
- USCG-Sector San Francisco VTS Users Manual
- United States Coast Pilot 7 – Pacific Coast: California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Pacific Islands, US Department of Commerce NOAA, 2025, 57th Edition, Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7
- Harbor Safety Plan for the San Francisco Bay Region, 2024
- NTSB report on the Allision of the M/V Cosco Busan with the Delta Tower of the Bay Bridge
Useful Textbooks and Publications:
- Bridge Procedures Guide, International Chamber of Shipping, 6th Edition, 2022
- Shiphandling – The Beautiful Game, Volume 1, The Nautical Institute, 2025, Livingstone and Livingstone, ISBN 978 1 91 5488 47 3
- Shiphandling for the Mariner, Daniel H. MacElrevy and Daniel E Mac Elrevey, Fifth Edition , 2018, Cornell Maritime Press, ISBN 978 0 76433 5458 8
- Ship Handling, Heve Baudu, 3rd Edition, 2022, DOKMAR Publishers, ISBN 978 90 71500 89 6
- Shiphandling with Tugs, Jeff Slesinger, Second Edition, 2008, Cornell Maritime Press, ISBN 978 0 87033 598 3
- Shiphandling Theory and Practice, David J. House, 2007, Butterworth – Heinemann, ISBN 978 0 75068 5306
- Ship Manoeuvering Principles, 2nd Edition, 2023, Witherby and Co. LTD. ISBN 978 19149 9316 9
- Tug Use in Port, Hank Henssen, 2022, STC Publishing, ISBN 978 90831 2434 6
- The Shiphandler’s Guide, R.W. Rowe, 2nd Edition, 2004, The Nautical Institute, ISBN 1 870077 35 0
- The American Practical Navigator, Nathaniel Bowditch, Pub. No. 9, 2024 Edition, Volume 1, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, ISBN 978 1 951116880
- Tug Use Offshore in Bays and Rivers: The Towmaster’s Manual, The Nautical Institute, 2006, Livingstone and Livingstone, ISBN 13 9781870077743