Pilot and Trainee Resources
For more information, please visit the links below.
Applications and Forms
- Application for Original Pilot License NEW!
- Application for Annual Pilot License Renewal NEW!
- Medical Assessment Guide
- Notice, Disclosures, and Acknowledgement and Consent to Disclosure (Effective 10/2021)
- Disclosure of Information (Effective 10/2021)
- Statement of Fitness for Duty (Effective 10/2021)
- Fitness for Duty Notification (Effective 10/2021)
- Notice to Board Appointed Physician (Effective 10/2021)
- Notice to Executive Director (Effective 10/2021)
- U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate, Form CG 719-K (Expires on 2/21/2028)
- Merchant Mariner Medical Manual (08/19)
Pilot and Trainee Reference Materials
The bibliography information provided to the right is general reference material resources to support pilots and pilot trainees in enhancing their professional knowledge and continuing education. The Board of Pilot Commissioners does not endorse or favor any specific publication listed.
These resources are not intended to support or prepare for the Board’s Pilot Trainee Examination. For questions regarding the exam bibliography resources, please email the Board at bopc@bopc.ca.gov. A bibliography of materials referenced in the exam components will be included along with the exam materials.
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
Drug Testing Services
- No Drugs, Inc. (Please note: weekend appointments are not allowed.)
Medical Assessment Process Overview
Background, Processing Times, and Guidance for Pilots & Trainees
Pilot Fitness Report
Learn more about the BOPC Pilot Trainee Training program, including requirements, and application process, by clicking here.