Pilot Trainee - SE Alaska Pilots' Association

Early Announcement:

The Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association will be holding an exam for new Trainees during the spring of 2025. The dates of the exam are TBD and will be published as soon as the details are finalized.

Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association Exam Announcement

The Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association is a group of professional mariners that provide safe and efficient pilotage service within Southeast Alaskan waters, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

During the spring of 2025 (exact date TBD), SEAPA will administer to qualified applicants a Written Examination to be followed by a Simulator Evaluation.

See the link to “Becoming a SE Alaska Pilot” for more details, but applicants do NOT need to have experience in Alaska to apply. SEAPA has a rigorous training program and has accomplished Pilots with a variety of backgrounds, geographic and vessel experience.

Applicants must be a United States Citizen and hold a United States Coast Guard license as master of steam or motor vessels of not more than 1,600 gross tons (minimum). Applicants must also be eligible for First Class Pilotage in Southeast Alaska. (See the link to the Federal Pilotage Package on the information page and pay particular attention to sea time and tonnage requirements for Federal Pilotage.) See the Training Program Vol I for more details about qualifying requirements.

The website will be updated as more information about the exam, including exam dates, updated forms and bibliography, are developed. Check back often!

The Association’s policy is to follow a uniform, fair, open, and non-discriminatory process of trainee selection, and it shows in the diversity of SEAPA Pilots. SEAPA values diversity and the trainee selection process does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. SEAPA encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

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My uncle was a SEA pilot for many years after retiring from Alaska Steamship Co. I was stationed in Ketchikan at that time and used to ride with him from time to time on the old Pacific Princess (the real Love Boat from TV). He would also pilot T2 tankers and cargo ships out to Western Alaska ports when needed.

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If anyone is interested, we are working on getting study material for the pilotage charts required on our website: PilotTestCharts.com