Most Pilots begin their seafaring career by working as a deck hand on a local tug or as a cadet on a foreign going vessel. They gradually work their way up through the various seafarer ranks from deckhand to third mate, second mate, first mate, and finally to the position of Captain. This takes a number of years and requires many examinations along the way in addition to accumulating the required sea time for the various positions.

After they have been Captain of a vessel on the B.C. coast for approximately 5 years they can apply in writing to take an examination to become a licensed B.C. coast Pilot. If they pass both the written and oral portions of the exam they then go onto a waiting list until a piloting position becomes available. Once they are notified that a vacancy exists, they undergo a 6 to 12 month apprenticeship program which includes further hands-on training under the direction of senior Pilots.