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.
2026 Pilot Trainee Training Exam Bibliography
These references were used in the development of the 2026 Trainee Exam. Local regulatory documents are available using the links provided. For questions regarding the exam bibliography resources, please email the Board at bopc_trainee_exam@bopc.ca.gov.
The exam bibliography is also available for download as a PDF.
Referenced Regulations
- Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook, Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, August 8, 2024 ISBN 978 1 976794322
- Regulated Navigation Areas for the San Francisco Bay Region, 33 CFR 165.1181
- San Francisco Tank Vessel Escort Regulations Title 14 California Code of Regulations
- 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, 2025
- NTSB report on the Allision of the M/V Cosco Busan with the Delta Tower of the Bay Bridge
Referenced Publications
- The American Practical Navigator, Nathaniel Bowditch, Pub. No. 9, 2024 Edition, Volume 1, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, ISBN 978 1 951116880
- Behavior and Handling of Ships, Hooyer,1983, Cornell Maritime Press, ISBN 0-87033-306-2
- Bridge Procedures Guide, International Chamber of Shipping, 6th Edition, 2022
- Formulae for the Mariner, Richard M. Plant, 2nd Edition, 2009, Cornell Maritime Press ISBN 978-0-87033-361-3
- IMPA On Pilotage, IMPA 2014, Witherby Publishing Group LTD., ISBN 978-1-85609-635-5
- 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. MacElrevey and Daniel E. MacElrevey, Fifth Edition , 2018, Cornell Maritime Press, ISBN 978 0 76433 5458 8
- Ship Handling, Hervé Baudu, 3rd Edition, 2022, DOKMAR Maritime Publishers, ISBN 978 90 71500 59 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 Publishing Group LTD., ISBN 978 19149 9316 9
- The Shiphandler’s Guide, R.W. Rowe, 2nd Edition, 2004, The Nautical Institute, ISBN 1 870077 35 0
- U.S. Chart No. 1, 13th Edition, 2019, NOAA Office of Coastal Survey