The Board advertises openings and accepts applications for Apprentice Pilots according to the needs of commerce and interests of public safety. When openings exist, as they currently do, the openings are advertised in two Delaware newspapers of general circulation for at least one week, as well as this website for the application acceptance period.

Objective and Function

The primary objective of the Delaware Board of Pilot Commissioners is to protect the public from unsafe practices. The Board must also maintain standards of professional competence and service delivery. To meet these objectives, the Board:

• maintains standards of pilot competency and standards in delivery of services
• formulates rules and regulations
• adjudicates complaints against professionals and, when necessary, imposes disciplinary sanctions.

The Board issues licenses to river pilots in six classes (first class through sixth class) and apprentices.

The Board’s statutory authority is in 24 Del. C., Chapter 1.

Meetings

Unless notified otherwise, the Board meets at least quarterly. At each meeting, the date and time of the next meeting are decided. All meetings are open to the general public and are held in the Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, in Dover. The meeting schedule is available at the State of Delaware public meeting calendar.

The Board may need to review and approve your application for licensure and will only review a complete application. A complete application includes your application and any documentation submitted through DELPROS and/or any documents submitted through the mail or email from third-parties. The Board will review your documentation at its next scheduled meeting.