To work as a ship pilot, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a formal training program;
• have one to five years of related work experience; and
• have a ship pilot license.

Education after high school

Training programs for ship officers are approved and monitored by the US Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security. You must be licensed by this agency to operate watercraft.

You can prepare for a ship officer license by attending the US Merchant Marine Academy or one of six state academies. Three academies are located on the East Coast, in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. The other three are located in Michigan, Texas, and California.

These academies offer a four-year training program that leads to a bachelor's degree. The training at the academies prepares you for the licensing exam. Courses cover topics such as navigation, rules of the road, and meteorology. You also study marine rules and pollution, cargo, and standing watch. After graduating, you may pursue a license as a third mate (deck officer).

Ship pilots usually complete an apprenticeship with a towing company or pilot's association.

Work experience

Ship pilots typically have several years of work experience. You can prepare for a ship pilot apprenticeship by gaining experience as a deckhand. Local unions provide training. As you gain experience and pass rating exams, you move up the ranks.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be quartermasters and boat operators. Training lasts six to 22 weeks, depending on your specialty. Another option is training as a ship and submarine officer. The length of training varies by specialty. For both occupations additional training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.