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.  Y

Conditions to Apply

You must meet the following conditions to submit an application:

• You must be 21 years old to serve a Pilot Apprenticeship.

You must hold either a:

• Baccalaureate degree from either a recognized and certified college, university or maritime academy operated by the United States or a State, OR
• U.S. Coast Guard-issued license to serve as a third-mate on all oceans, as a master in near-coastal waters aboard vessels over 1600 tons, or any higher class license.

Information on How to Apply for a License in DELPROS

All applications are submitted our online system DELPROS. We no longer accept paper applications.

PRIOR TO APPLYING

In order to apply for a license or submit a service request, you must first have a DELPROS user account. To LOG IN or CREATE a DELPROS  user account:

1. Go to: https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage.
2. Click GO on the Apply/Manage a License and Service Requests tile.
3. If you do not have a DELPROS user account, click the REGISTER button on the left side of page for NEW USERS.
4. If you already have a DELPROS user account, enter your email address (user id) and password on the right side for EXISTING USERS and click the LOGIN button.

DELPROS allows you to save your incomplete application and return to it later to finish the process by clicking on SAVE and FINISH LATER at the bottom of the each page of the application. You only have until the deadline of 02/05/2024 to submit your application.

You may check the status of your application online throughout the entire application process by using the “View Application Status” feature in DELPROS on your dashboard.

KNOW YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND COLLECT YOUR DOCUMENTS BEFORE YOU APPLY

1. Know the requirements for the license you are pursuing.
   • For more information on the requirements for licensure, refer to your profession’s License Law and Rules and Regulations.
2. Request and gather all documents required to upload on the Attachments page. All information and forms are located on your profession’s webpages.

ATTACHING AND ACKNOWLEDGING DOCUMENTS

On the ATTACHMENTS page of your application, you may be instructed to:

• either “attach” or “upload” the required document(s) directly to your application. This means that you locate document(s) saved on your computer or device and upload it to your application. You may attach more than one document.

• click “acknowledge.”  This means you will acknowledge that you or a “third-party” will mail the document(s) directly to the Board office.
  • Examples of “third-party forms” are transcripts from schools, employment verifications from a supervisor, and license verifications from another state.
• Forms requiring a supervisor signature, seal, or notary may have to be MAILED to the Board office directly UNLESS the document specifically indicates to UPLOAD the document.

The requirements for Apprentice River Pilots are provided in the following section(s).

Requirements

In addition to submitting the application and fee in DELPROS, you must submit:

• A mandatory Supplemental Questionnaire. Remember not to enter any personal information, such as your name, address or any other names on this form.

• Proof of your age, such as a copy of your birth certificate or driver’s license.

• An official transcript, if you earned a baccalaureate degree. It must be sent directly to the Board office from either a:
  • recognized or certified college or university, or
  • U.S.-operated maritime academy

• A copy of your highest U.S. Coast Guard-issued license that you hold (if applicable).

• Copies of your current or previous River Pilot Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC) licenses and/or endorsements.

• If you have a criminal record or pending criminal charges, upload all relevant documentation or an explanation regarding the charge(s).

Interviews

The information provided on your Questionnaire will determine whether the Board selects you for an interview. The interviews will take place on March 7 and 8, 2024 only. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive a notification with your scheduled time, location and interviewing mode (in person or MS Teams). In addition, you are required to submit a current (within past six months) physical examination at your expense. You may utilize the CG719k Mariner’s Physical and upload the completed CG719k Mariner’s Physical form as a Service Request through the DELPROS portal.

Examination

If you are selected for an apprenticeship, a Pilot Apprentice license will be issued. At the end of your apprenticeship, you must take a written examination. The examination will test your knowledge acquired during the apprenticeship. If you pass the examination, a Sixth Class Pilot license will be issued to you.

Advancement To Higher Classes

After you complete your Apprenticeship, you may apply to advance to sixth class Pilot in DELPROS online portal. After serving in each subsequent class for one year, you may apply to advance to the next higher class. Each time you are approved to advance to a higher class, you must submit your application and all other requirements in the portal before your official eligibility to advance date. In addition to advancing to the next higher class, you must also renew your license every year by November 30th. Therefore, it depends on when you get approval to advance as to what class you renew.

When you are applying to advance from Fourth to Third Class, you must also submit a Squat Certification form.

For more information on applying for advancement, see Class Advancement and Section 12.0 of the Board’s Rules and Regulations.