Bermuda
- Who issues it
- Department of Marine and Ports Services (local licences); Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority (STCW endorsements); Minister under the Telecommunications Act 1986 (Class Nine radio credentials).
- Minimum age
- 12 years
- Buoyage
- IALA region B
Do you need a licence?
No general recreational operator licence. In territorial waters, covered power-craft require age 12+ (12–15: up to 6 hp). Hired power-craft towing skiers or similar need a pilot licence. STCW certification applies to Bermuda-registered seagoing pleasure vessels at least 24 m AND 80 GT, except primitive wooden ships.
Pilot licence — Class A
From 18- What it lets you do
- Western waters inside the outer reef, west of the North Rock–Flatts Inlet line; boat and draught limits are on the licence.
- How you get it
- Assesses knowledge of boat handling, lights, sound signals and collision rules; Engine Driver's Licence required first.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Pilot licence — Class B
From 18- What it lets you do
- Eastern waters inside the outer reef, east of the North Rock–Flatts Inlet line; boat and draught limits are on the licence.
- How you get it
- Assesses knowledge of boat handling, lights, sound signals and collision rules; Engine Driver's Licence required first.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Pilot licence — Class A & B
From 18- What it lets you do
- Eastern and western waters inside the outer reef; boat and draught limits are on the licence.
- How you get it
- Assesses knowledge of boat handling, lights, sound signals and collision rules; Engine Driver's Licence required first.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Pilot licence — Class C
From 18- What it lets you do
- Bermuda territorial waters, including the South Western Banks; boat and draught limits are on the licence.
- How you get it
- Assesses knowledge of boat handling, lights, sound signals and collision rules; Engine Driver's Licence required first.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
More exam guides
Bermuda Pilot Licence (Classes A, B and C)
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.
Radio certificates
Certificate of competence (Class Nine radio)
- What it lets you do
- Confirms competence for the stated ship-radio category; a separate authority to operate is needed.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Authority to operate (Class Nine radio)
- What it lets you do
- Authorises the stated ship-radio category, alongside the required competence certificate.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
Certificate of equivalent competency (GMDSS)
- What it lets you do
- Bermuda recognition of a foreign GMDSS qualification for radio duties on Bermuda ships.
- Where to study
- Study it in Academy
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Official sources: Bermuda Laws Online — Power-Craft Regulations 1960, regulations 1, 4–6 · Bermuda Laws Online — Marine Board (Island Boats) Regulations 1965, regulations 15–19 and 24–26 · Department of Marine and Ports Services — Code of Practice for Island Boats, pages 7 and 23–24 · Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority — Shipping Notice 2025-015: Officer Certification and Issue of Endorsements · Bermuda Laws Online — Merchant Shipping (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Regulations 2019, regulations 2, 4, 6 and 8 · Bermuda Laws Online — Class Nine Radio (Maritime Mobile Service) Regulations 1988, regulations 16–19 and 22