If you meet the requirements below, per the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and would like to apply to become an apprentice pilot, complete 46 CFR 401.211(e) and email a resume and cover letter to: info@wglpa.com     

                                                                         
Relevant CFR Title 46 Chapter III § 401.211 Requirements for training of Apprentice Pilots and Limited Registration Authorization.​

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(b) No Apprentice Pilot will be selected for training unless:

(1) The individual meets the requirements and qualifications set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4), (6), (8), and (9) of § 401.210; which states that, "No person may be fully registered as a United States Registered Pilot unless:

(1) The individual holds an MMC with an officer endorsement as a Master, Mate, or Pilot, issued under the provisions of subpart B of 46 CFR part 11, and has acquired at least 24 months service as a deck officer or comparable experience on vessels or integrated tug and barge, of at least 4,000 gross tonnage, operating on the Great Lakes or oceans. Those applicants qualifying with other than Great Lakes service must have obtained at least 6 months of service as a deck officer or comparable experience on the Great Lakes. Those applicants qualifying with comparable experience must have served a minimum of 12 months as a deck officer under the authority of their MMC.

(2) The individual is a citizen of the United States.

(3) The individual is of good moral character and temperate habits.

(4) The individual is physically competent to perform the duties of a U.S. Registered Pilot and meets the applicable medical requirements and standards prescribed by the Commandant in subpart C of 46 CFR part 10.

(6) The individual agrees to be available for service under the terms and conditions as may be approved or prescribed by the Commandant.

(8) The individual meets the chemical testing requirements as defined in 46 CFR part 16.

(9) The individual agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of this part and amendments thereto.

(2) The individual must not have reached the age of 60; and

(3) The individual possesses a Radar Observer-Unlimited endorsement on their MMC in accordance with § 11.480.

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(c) For purpose of determining whether an applicant meets the experience requirements contained in § 401.210(a)(1), not more than 12 months of “comparable experience” may be used in fulfilling the 24-month experience requirement.

 

(e) Persons desiring to be considered as an Apprentice Pilot must file with the Director a completed Application Form CG-4509 by email to: GreatLakesPilotage@uscg.mil; or by mail to: Great Lakes Pilotage Office, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Mail Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509. Upon the request of the Director, the person desiring to be considered as an Apprentice Pilot must submit two full-face passport style photographs, signed on the photo, vertically, as close to the head as possible.

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