During the apprenticeship program, simulator training takes place in Star Center, Florida and training on manned models in Port Revel, France. If they successfully complete the apprenticeship program they will receive a restricted Pilot's license and become a member of The BC Coast Pilots Ltd. Over the course of the next several years they will gradually be able to operate larger ships until they finally receive a fully unrestricted Pilot's license.

Senior Pilots continue to receive training over the course of their career as new ships enter the west coast market and technology changes on the ships. All of The BC Coast Pilots members have undertaken additional training in Bridge Resource Management (BRM), the new azipod propulsion systems on the latest cruise ships, fatigue management, GMDSS, and advanced ship handling skills. The majority of this training is taken at the Star Center in Dania, Florida, or with the manned models at Port Revel, France.