46 CFR 11.707: First-Class Pilot endorsement examination requirements

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section sets the examination requirements for a First-Class Pilot endorsement. Most applicants must pass the examination described in subpart I of this part. Applicants for an extension of route, and certain Master or Mate endorsement holders, must pass only the portions concerning the specific route.

Applies toApplicants for an endorsement as First-Class Pilot, including applicants for an extension of route and applicants holding an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate authorized to serve on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT.

What it says

  1. An applicant for a First-Class Pilot endorsement must pass the examination described in subpart I of this part, except as paragraph (b) of this section provides.

    46 CFR 11.707(a)“An applicant for an endorsement as First-Class Pilot, except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section, is required to pass the examination described in subpart I of this part.”

  2. An applicant for an extension of route must pass only those portions of the subpart I examination that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought.

    46 CFR 11.707(b)“An applicant for an extension of route, or an applicant holding an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate authorized to serve on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT seeking an endorsement as First-Class Pilot, is required to pass those portions of the examination described in subpart I of this part that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought.”

  3. An applicant who holds an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate authorized to serve on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT and who seeks a First-Class Pilot endorsement must pass only the portions of the subpart I examination that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought.

    46 CFR 11.707(b)“an applicant holding an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate authorized to serve on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT seeking an endorsement as First-Class Pilot, is required to pass those portions of the examination”

Common questions

What exam do I need for a First-Class Pilot endorsement?

You must pass the examination described in subpart I of this part, unless paragraph (b) of this section applies to you.

“is required to pass the examination described in subpart I of this part.”

Do I take the whole exam for an extension of route?

No. An applicant for an extension of route must pass only those portions of the subpart I examination that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought.

“is required to pass those portions of the examination described in subpart I of this part that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought.”

Does a Master or Mate of vessels over 1,600 GRT take the full First-Class Pilot exam?

No. A Master or Mate holding an MMC endorsement authorized for vessels of more than 1,600 GRT and seeking a First-Class Pilot endorsement must pass only the portions of the examination concerning the specific route.

“an applicant holding an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate authorized to serve on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT seeking an endorsement as First-Class Pilot”

The text of 46 CFR 11.707

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Examination requirements

(a) An applicant for an endorsement as First-Class Pilot, except as noted in paragraph (b) of this section, is required to pass the examination described in subpart I of this part.

(b) An applicant for an extension of route, or an applicant holding an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate authorized to serve on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT seeking an endorsement as First-Class Pilot, is required to pass those portions of the examination described in subpart I of this part that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought.

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.