A pilot advises the captain on board a sea vessel about the navigation to be followed. The registered pilots help ships to navigate smoothly and safely in and out of a port. North Sea pilots operate in the North Sea, Skagerrak, and the Channel, and are deployed to minimize safety risks in these busy waterways and to relieve the captain.

To become a registered pilot, seafarers who already hold an HBO maritime diploma and have sufficient sailing time can follow the HBO masters program for registered pilots. The training to become a North Sea pilot is a post-HBO program with similar admission requirements.

Dutch maritime schools have been struggling with declining numbers of students for some time. This also affects the intake into the training programs for registered pilots and North Sea pilots. Additionally, there will be more demand for new pilots in the coming years due to increasing traffic in the North Sea and the fact that existing pilots are getting older.

To turn the tide, the cabinet is introducing a 1-year pre-master bridging program for aspiring registered pilots. By following this preparatory program, an experienced seafarer with an mbo 4 diploma can also gain access to the HBO masters program for registered pilots.

For registered pilots, a maximum age of 60 years applies, while there is no maximum age for North Sea pilots. Registered pilots who have reached the maximum age and wish to continue as North Sea pilots no longer need to maintain a valid sailing license to follow the training for North Sea pilots.

Robert Tieman, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management: “I was trained as a seafarer myself and know that pilots play an indispensable role in our economy.” They ensure that ships can safely navigate the busy North Sea and that transport through our ports runs smoothly and efficiently. I am pleased that we are making it possible for more people to follow the training to become a pilot and to practice this beautiful profession.”