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Apply to the Maryland Pilot-in-Training Program

Requirements:

  1. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
     
  2. Applicants must agree to participate in a U.S. Coast Guard-approved random drug testing program.
     
  3. Applicants must provide the Board with proof of a recent satisfactory completion of the physical requirements for a first-class pilot license, as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard. The medical report shall be submitted directly to the Board from the physician or medical facility.
     
  4. An applicant for pilot-in-training shall have one or more of the following maritime credentials:
     
    1. A degree from a four-year course of study at an accredited maritime institution acceptable to the Board, and a current license as third mate, or greater grade, of steam and motor vessels, any gross tons upon oceans;
       
    2. A current license as a master of steam and motor vessels, any gross tons upon oceans, that is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and that contains an appropriate radar endorsement; or
       
    3. A minimum of five years experience in the maritime industry working on vessels in the deck department as a licensed master or mate on tugs or inspected vessels, of which at least two years experience shall be as the master of a ship-assist harbor tug;
     
  5. An applicant shall pass any mental or physical examination that the Board requires to verify that the applicant is mentally and physically capable of providing pilotage.

Application process

An applicant must submit the completed application and the following: $25.00 fee, copy of the license, official transcript (if applicable), and a copy of a physical examination (to be submitted directly from a physician or primary care provider). The application will remain on file for two years from date of filing and may be renewed by submitting an updated application and a $25.00 fee.

Pilots-in-training are selected to begin the program when the Board and the Association determine that there is a need. Trainees are selected from a list of eligible candidates that have been compiled by the Board and is in effect for a two-year period beginning in October of even-numbered years.

License Categories

  • A pilot-in-training who is selected by the Board shall serve under the supervision of unlimited licensed pilots for at least two years after being selected before being issued a limited license to pilot vessels not exceeding 32 feet of draught.
     
  • A 32-foot licensed pilot, after one year and upon demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Board sufficient ability, skill and experience, may be granted a raise in grade to a 36-foot limited license.
     
  • A 36-foot limited licensed pilot, after one year and upon demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Board sufficient ability, skill and experience, may be granted a raise in grade to a 40-foot limited license.
     
  • A 40-foot limited licensed pilot, after one year and upon demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Board sufficient ability, skill and experience, may be granted a raise in grade to an unlimited license.

Please note: There is no reciprocal licensing process in Maryland.