Considering a career as a San Francisco Bar Pilot? The 2026 Pilot Trainee Training Exam application is now live! Access the application and exam information here.
Considering a career as a San Francisco Bar Pilot? The 2026 Pilot Trainee Training Exam application is now live! Access the application and exam information here.
Growing California’s economy and protecting our environment since 1850.
The State of California has entrusted the San Francisco Bar Pilots to safely and efficiently navigate the world’s largest ships through 160 miles of North America’s most challenging waterways.
Operating costs of the San Francisco Bar Pilots are 100% paid for by the corporations and ship owners who use our services. The vast majority of our customers are headquartered outside the United States.
The San Francisco Bar Pilots are licensed and regulated by both the United States Coast Guard and the California Board of Pilot Commissioners. Robust state and federal regulation govern all pilotage activity.
Founded in 1850 by California’s first legislature, the San Francisco Bar Pilots have been on the front lines of protecting Northern California’s pristine waters since the Gold Rush.
In 1789, the first US Congress gave states the right to regulate pilotage in their waters. Today, more than half of the states in the country have a state pilotage system.
The San Francisco Bay’s topography, strong currents, high traffic volumes and rapidly changing weather make it one of the most challenging pilotage waters in the United States.
San Francisco Bar Pilots work on call all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year, safely navigating vessels in and out of San Francisco Bay and its tributaries.
Number of US States with a Pilotage Organization
Ships Moved Per Year
Bay Area Docks and Maritime Facilities
Miles of Navigable Water
For over 20 years, the San Francisco Bar Pilots have collected new toys and bikes for the SFFD’s annual toy drive. We are proud to bring holiday joy to deserving children all around the Bay Area. Learn more about this important program here.