Bermuda Pilot License Requirements

This page is intended only as a supplemental study aid to the official Marine and Ports information pack. It is not designed to replace the information in that pack. This page may contain outdated/incorrect information; please contact the author with suggested corrections/improvements.

This page contains an overview of the process to attain the marine Pilot License issued by the Bermuda Department of Marine and Ports, familiarly known as a captain’s license. It’s a work in progress, feel free to suggest/request additions or changes.

Why get a Pilot License

  • For work – all Island Boats carrying paying passenger(s) require a licensed pilot onboard
  • For safety – frequent private boaters can significantly improve their safety and confidence by using the licensing process as an educational tool

Requirements for a Pilot’s License in Bermuda, mostly as specified in the Marine Board (Island Boat) Regulations 1965:

  • Knowledge of the marine area(s) in which you seek a license
  • Extensive, documented local boating experience
  • An Engine Drivers License issued by the Department of Marine and Ports
  • Familiarity with relevant legislation (see Resources page)
  • Completed Application form
  • At least eighteen (18) years old
  • Of good character and temperate habits
  • Shall be able to read and write legibly
  • Must have sufficient knowledge of sailing, handling, and management of boats, of the lights required on board vessels and sailing craft, and of signal bells and whistles
  • Must have a working knowledge of the SOLAS Collision Regulations
  • Be resident in Bermuda, and have spent at least six months operating and crewing on boats in local waters
  • A Medical and eyesight certificate from a Registered Medical Practitioner
  • At least two (2) letters of reference from local pilots attesting to the candidate’s boating and seamanship experience and skills.

Exam Process

Pilots license exams are currently administered in Marine and Ports headquarters on East Broadway. All necessary materials are provided at the exam (pencils, scrap paper, charts). There are several steps to complete before sitting the tests:

  1. Collect a copy of the registration booklet/forms from Marine and Ports boats and moorings division (old Paget post office). Cost of the booklet was ~$10 in 2023 and the booklet contains summary info for all Engine Drivers and Pilots License exams.
  2. Return the completed forms including
    • Recent health and eyesight certifications
    • Letters certifying your boating experience
    • If sitting Pilots License exam(s), two written references from other Bermuda-licensed boat pilots
    • Exam fee(s)
  3. The Engine Drivers exam must be taken and passed before you can sit the Pilot License exams
  4. The A, B, and C pilots license tests can be taken at the same time once Engine Drivers has been passed. Note that in 2023, in order to take the C (Island Wide and Offshore) test, you had to take A and B at the same time, even if you already held the A and B licenses. However, A and B can be taken separately or at the same time as each other if you will not need the C license. A License will initially be issued to a person for a period of two year probationary period, and subject to satisfactory performance the license is renewed up to the age of 65. After 65 the License will be renewed at the discretion of the Minister.

Examinations are usually conducted on Thursday mornings. Appointments may be made through the Harbour Master at the Main Office Hamilton. Telephone 294-0402.

The examination fee was $149.00 in 2023. The Fee must be paid prior to sitting the examinations. Fee is to be paid at the Boat and Mooring Section located 108 Middle Road, Paget, (Old Paget Post Office). Office hours 8:30 to 4:30. Telephone 294-0419 or 294-0420.,

Exams to pass

There are 4 exams. You need to pass the Engine Driver and one of the A/B/C tests to receive a Pilot’s license. The C Class is the broadest license.

  • Engine Drivers License
  • A – West End onshore
  • B – East End onshore
  • C – Island Wide and offshore in all of Bermuda’s territorial waters

Definitions

  • Island Boat: Any type of boat except a rowboat operating for hire and reward in Bermuda Waters, and not usually employed in voyages overseas.
  • Island Motor-Boat: An Island Boat propelled only by sails.
  • Rental Power-craft and Sailboat: Small rental boat that can be operated without a licenced crew.

Crew Requirements

Every Island Boat (except a rental power-crat of rental sailboat), when carrying passengers, must have a licensed pilot in charge.

If the vessel is an Island Motor-Boat it shall be operated by not less than two persons. An exemption may be granted at the discretion of the department where:

  • The boat operator holds both Pilot and Engine Driver’s Licences, and
  • The steering and engine controls are so places as to be easily operated by one person.

Category of Licence for areas of operation

  • ‘A’ Class: inside the reef line, west of Flatts Inlet
  • ‘B’ Class: inside the outer reef line, east of Flatts inlet
  • ‘C’ =Class: anywhere withing the territorial waters of Bermuda. This includes both east and west areas and extends up to twelve miles out from the outer reef edge.