1. What is the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

The Certificate in Marine Pilots is a 12-week online professional development programme from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy designed to provide a structured introduction to marine pilotage. Through six modules, you’ll explore the role and legal status of the pilot, pilotage responsibilities, navigation, personal safety, boarding and transfer procedures, communications, the human element and the practical realities of the job.

2. Who teaches the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

The Certificate in Marine Pilots is led by Captain André LeGoubin MNM MA FNI, an experienced and currently active marine pilot and former President of The Nautical Institute. André has more than 40 years of maritime experience, including service as a deck officer, vessel master, London first-class marine pilot and Mooring Master/ Pilot. Throughout the scheduled course, he acts as your dedicated tutor, providing guidance and answering questions through the online discussion forum.

3. Does the Certificate in Marine Pilots cover vessel navigation and communication during pilotage?

Yes. The course examines the pilot’s role in the conduct of navigation and the knowledge required to undertake pilotage safely. It also covers the Master–Pilot exchange, VHF use, pilotage planning and communication with the Master and bridge team.

You’ll also learn about ordering and boarding a pilot, assessing the vessel before and during boarding, and building trust and rapport with the ship’s crew.

4. Does completing the course qualify me to become a marine pilot?

No. The course provides foundational knowledge about pilotage but does not grant a pilot licence, authorisation or professional appointment. Requirements for becoming a marine pilot vary between countries and pilotage authorities and commonly include substantial seagoing experience, medical fitness, local training, examinations and formal authorisation.

5. Who is the Marine Pilots training course for?

The Certificate in Marine Pilots is designed for existing pilots and port operations professionals who want to update or consolidate their knowledge, as well as deputy or assistant pilots preparing to progress their careers.

It may also be suitable for harbour masters, tug company managers, VTS operators and supervisors, marine officers, tug captains, port operations managers, seafarers considering a career in pilotage, new entrants and maritime professionals who need a better understanding of the pilot’s role.

6. Do I need experience before enrolling on the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

No specific prior qualification is stated in the course brief. However, the programme is primarily aimed at maritime professionals, seafarers, port personnel and those working in or moving towards pilotage and marine operations. Relevant marine or navigational experience may help you engage with the operational, safety and communication topics covered.

7. Which companies have previously enrolled staff on the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

Participants on courses in this area have come from organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority, Stena Line Ports, Shoreham Port Authority, Associated British Ports and the Port Authority of New South Wales.

8. What career opportunities can the Certificate in Marine Pilots support?

The Certificate in Marine Pilots may support continuing professional development for people working towards or within roles such as assistant pilot, marine pilot, harbour master, assistant harbour master, port captain, port manager, terminal manager and marine operations manager.

These roles normally require relevant maritime experience, professional competence and, where applicable, authorisation or licensing by the responsible pilotage or port authority. The certificate demonstrates a commitment to understanding pilotage but does not itself qualify or authorise someone to work as a marine pilot.

9. Is the Certificate in Marine Pilots available on-demand?

Yes. There is an on-demand version of the Certificate in Marine Pilots, which allows you to enrol immediately and study at your own pace from anywhere. All modules and assessments are accessible as soon as you join.

10. Can I choose between the scheduled and on-demand versions of the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

Yes. You can choose to take the Certificate in Marine Pilots either as a scheduled course or as an on-demand course. The scheduled version runs over 12 weeks and includes webinar sessions and an online forum with tutor support. The on-demand version allows you to enrol at any time and complete all modules and assessments at your own pace without live tutor interaction.

11. How does the scheduled version of the Certificate in Marine Pilots work?

The scheduled intake of the Certificate in Marine Pilots runs over 12 weeks, with six modules released every two weeks. Students also benefit from at least one webinar and an active online forum where they can interact with fellow participants and receive support from the course director.

12. Can I study the Certificate in Marine Pilots from anywhere?

Yes. The Certificate in Marine Pilots is delivered fully online and can be accessed globally. No travel or in-person attendance is required.

13. How much time do I need for the Certificate in Marine Pilots course?

Each module in the Certificate in Marine Pilots requires approximately 2-3 hours of study, which is around 1-2 hours per week during the scheduled intake.

14. Does the on-demand Certificate in Marine Pilots include tutor support?

The on-demand version of the Certificate in Marine Pilots does not include tutor interaction or forum support. Tutor guidance is provided in the scheduled version only.

15. How is the Certificate in Marine Pilots assessed?

The Certificate in Marine Pilots is assessed through online tests at the end of each module. A score of 70% is required to progress to the next module.

16. Do I receive a qualification after completing the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the course assessments, you will receive a Lloyd's Maritime Academy Certificate of Completion. The programme carries 21 CPD hours (2.1 CEUs), which will be recorded on your certificate.

17. When will I receive my Certificate in Marine Pilots?

You will receive your certificate once all assessments have been completed and your marks and mailing details have been confirmed. Certificates are issued after the full course has concluded.

18. When does the next Certificate in Marine Pilots course start?

The next scheduled intake starts on 27 October 2026. Late applications are accepted until 13 November 2026. The on-demand version can be joined at any time.

19. Can I join the Certificate in Marine Pilots late?

Yes. Late applications are accepted for the scheduled intake up to two weeks after the official start date, although you may need to catch up on released modules.

20. What is the fee for the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

The Certificate in Marine Pilots is priced at £2,099 + VAT/ $2,840, with an early booking fee of £1,889.10 + VAT/ $2,556 (book before 4 September 2026).
EUR pricing is also available at the exchange rate applied on the invoice date.

21. Are group bookings available for the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

Yes. Group bookings and referrals are welcome and may qualify for preferential pricing.
Contact us to discuss the group booking discount.

22. Do I need a visa for the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

No. The Certificate in Marine Pilots is delivered entirely online and does not require a study visa or physical attendance.

23. Is there a similar course to the Certificate in Marine Pilots?

Yes. The Certificate in Marine Pilots forms part of Lloyd's Maritime Academy's Maritime Port & Logistics portfolio. Learners interested in related port, pilotage and personnel-management subjects may also wish to explore the Diploma for Harbour Masters, Certificate in Crew Manning, Diploma in Crew Management and Certificate in Train the Trainer.

These programmes provide complementary knowledge in harbour operations, crew management, maritime personnel and professional instruction.