Becoming a Southeast Alaska Marine Pilot

ANNOUNCEMENT OF

SOUTHEAST ALASKA PILOTS’ ASSOCIATION

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Applicants must hold a US Coast Guard issued license.

This is an early announcement that on Monday, March 3, 2025, the SE Alaska Pilots’ Association (SEAPA) will administer to qualified applicants a remotely proctored Written Examination. SEAPA will then administer a simulator exam to those mariners that pass the written exam.

The Simulator Examination will be held during the week of March 31st – April 4th, at MITAGS West in Seattle, Washington.

Applicants who meet or exceed the cut score on both the Written Examination and the Simulator exams will be placed on a waiting list and be offered a position in the pilot training program when manning needs permit. Successful completion of the pilot training program is required to qualify for issuance of a State of Alaska Marine Pilot License.

The Written Examination will be administered via the Surpass test platform. Examinees will take the exam in a location of their choosing, as long as the environment meets the requirements set forth in the 2025 Remote Proctoring Guidelines, which will be provided to applicants once they have been approved to test. We have moved to a remotely proctored exam so mariners on ships with computer platforms that meet the remote proctoring guidelines will be able to take the test while onboard their vessel.

Address any initial questions you might have to seapa.exam@gmail.com.

Please do NOT contact the main SEAPA office with any questions regarding the exam.

Bookmark this page and check back often. We will be updating and adding more information, including an updated bibliography, and a full guide to the application and examination process.

Update 8/24/24: Due to the recent tragic events in Ketchikan, specifically the disaster declaration and anticipated decrease in hotel room availability due to Responder and Construction Crew influx, we are suspending the applicant site visit option this year. Instead, we will be offering remote informational webinars. Check back often for updated webinar schedule and topic list.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF

SOUTHEAST ALASKA PILOTS’ ASSOCIATION

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Application and Physical Exam

Exam Information (More information will be published fall 2024)

SEAPA Training Program

ALASKA MARINE PILOTS STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

USCG INFORMATION