- From 18minimum ageMarine Board (Island Boats) Regulations 1965, regulation 18
- A, B or Clicence classesMarine Board (Island Boats) Regulations 1965, regulations 17–20
- BMD 149pilot examination feeGovernment Fees Regulations 1976, Schedule, Head 42(7)(c)
- 2 yearsinitial probationMarine Board (Island Boats) Regulations 1965, regulation 20
- BMD 29renewal after probationGovernment Fees Regulations 1976, Schedule, Head 42(7)(d)
What the Bermuda Pilot Licence is
This is a working-boat licence, not a general private pleasure-boat qualification. It is also separate from the branch-pilot qualification for ocean-going ships.
Which licence class do you need?
Choose the class that covers the waters where you plan to work. The published areas divide the island waters into western, eastern and wider territorial routes.
| Class | Published area |
|---|---|
| Class A | West of the North Rock–Flatts Inlet line, inside the outer reef edge |
| Class B | East of the North Rock–Flatts Inlet line, inside the outer reef edge |
| Class C | Bermuda territorial waters, including the South Western Banks |
The Department defines the outer reef edge using the 10-metre depth contour on British Admiralty Chart 334.
Your class lets you
- Operate an Island boat for hire or reward, including passenger trips
- Operate in the waters covered by the class on your licence
Your class does not let you
- Use Class A in Class B waters
- Treat Class A or B as permission to operate in Class C waters
- Use this licence as the branch-pilot qualification for ocean-going ships
What you need before applying
Eligibility
- Be at least 18 years old
- Meet the regulations’ character and fitness requirements
- Meet the eyesight, hearing and colour-discrimination requirements
- Be able to read and write legibly
- Hold an Engine Driver's Licence before sitting the pilot examination
Documents to prepare
- A medical and eyesight certificate from a registered medical practitioner
- 2 reference letters from licensed pilots describing your boating experience and handling skills
- A completed and signed application, selecting Class A, B or C and giving your personal details, employer and experience
How to get your licence
- Get your Engine Driver's Licence
You must hold it before sitting the pilot examination.
- Choose your class and prepare the application
Select Class A, B or C and gather your medical and eyesight certificate and 2 pilot references.
- Submit your application and pay
Submit the documents to the Boats/Moorings Section and pay the BMD 149 pilot examination fee.
- Book your examination
Contact the Department of Marine and Ports Services to book your examination; examinations are by appointment only.
The Minister may issue your licence following a satisfactory report from the Examining Board. If you need a re-sit, complete it within 3 months of the initial examination; after 3 months, you must take the entire examination and pay the full fee again.
What to study for the examination
| Area | What you should know |
|---|---|
| Boat skills | Sailing, handling and boat management |
| Lights and signals | Vessel lights; bell and whistle signals |
| Collision prevention | Rules for avoiding collisions at sea |
For the current examination format, contact the Department.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pilot licence examination | BMD 149 |
| Engine Driver's Licence examination — if you do not already hold the licence | BMD 149 |
| Renewal after the 2-year probation | BMD 29 |
Your first licence is probationary for 2 years. Renewal depends on the Minister being satisfied that you remain fit and proper. If you are 65 or over, check the renewal period stated on your licence.
The practical choice for paid Island-boat work
What works well
- It covers paid Island-boat operations, including passenger trips
- The three classes distinguish the waters in which you may operate
- The fees for the examination and post-probation renewal are published
What to watch
- You need an Engine Driver's Licence before the pilot examination
- Your own licence can impose boat, draught and area restrictions
- It does not serve as a general private pleasure-boat or branch-pilot qualification
If your plan is paid work on an Island boat, choose the class that fits your route, prepare the required documents and book the examination with the Department. Read every restriction on the licence issued to you before operating.
Topics to study
Free practice tests
IALACOLREG Exam Pass
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Unlimited timed mock exams, every mistake back until it's right, and a readiness score that shows when you're ready for your Bermuda Pilot Licence exam.
512 exam-style questions with explanations · 7 timed subject exams · every simulator scenario
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Practice questions (with answers)
To which vessels do the COLREGs apply?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. All vessels on the high seas and connected navigable waters
Rule 1 states the COLREGs apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.
According to Rule 2, departure from the COLREGs is permitted when:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. It is necessary to avoid immediate danger
Rule 2(b) allows departure from the rules when necessary to avoid immediate danger.
A vessel under sail also being propelled by her engine is classified as:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. A power-driven vessel
Rule 3(c): a sailing vessel means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
A proper look-out must be maintained:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. At all times
Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out at ALL times.
In IALA Region A, the port-hand mark colour is:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Red, usually can-shaped
Region A: port-hand red, starboard-hand green. Region B: port-hand green, starboard-hand red. Interpret both in the charted conventional direction of buoyage.
A North Cardinal mark indicates safe water lies to the:
Show answer
Correct answer: C. North of the mark
Cardinal marks indicate safe water lies on the named side: North cardinal = pass to the north.
An isolated danger mark indicates:
Show answer
Correct answer: B. A danger with navigable water all around
An isolated danger mark is on or near a danger with navigable water around it. Consult charts and nautical publications for the extent of the danger and safe passing distance.
You sight a cardinal mark with both cones pointing down and a light showing six quick flashes followed by one long flash. What is the safe action?
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Pass south of the mark
Two cones down and the 6+1 light rhythm identify a South Cardinal mark, meaning the safe water lies to the south of the mark.
The full guide
Bermuda's Pilot Licence allows you to operate an ‘Island boat’—the term used in Bermuda's regulations—for paid work, including passenger trips. Classes A, B and C cover different waters. You must hold an Engine Driver's Licence before taking the pilot examination.
The statutory knowledge requirements include boat sailing, handling and management, required lights, bell and whistle signals, and collision-prevention regulations. Use this site to practise COLREG rules, IALA buoyage, lights and shapes, and sound signals; study the rest with the official material.
Who should apply for the Bermuda Pilot Licence
This route is for people aged 18 or over who want to operate an Island boat for hire or reward. You also need a medical and eyesight certificate and 2 references from licensed pilots before you apply.
How to get the Pilot Licence
First get your Engine Driver's Licence. Then choose Class A, B or C, complete the application, and submit it with your medical and eyesight certificate and 2 licensed-pilot references. Pay the BMD 149 pilot examination fee, book your examination with the Department of Marine and Ports Services, and await the Examining Board's report.
Bermuda Pilot Licence questions
- What happens if I fail the Bermuda pilot examination?
- You have 3 months from the initial examination to complete a re-sit. After 3 months, you must take the entire examination and pay the full fee again.
- Do I need an Engine Driver's Licence?
- Yes. You must hold one before sitting the pilot examination. It may separately limit the engine type and horsepower you may operate.
- Is the first Pilot Licence probationary?
- Yes. Your first licence is probationary for 2 years. Renewal depends on the Minister being satisfied that you remain fit and proper. If you are 65 or over, check the renewal period stated on your licence.
- What are the Class A, B and C areas?
- Class A is west of the North Rock–Flatts Inlet line, inside the outer reef edge; Class B is east of that line, inside the outer reef edge. Class C covers Bermuda territorial waters, including the South Western Banks.
- What must I provide with my application?
- Submit the completed and signed application, a medical and eyesight certificate from a registered medical practitioner, and 2 reference letters from licensed pilots describing your boating experience and handling skills.
Other exams
Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC · Last reviewed: