| Q.
How many Training Positions are open?
A:
There are six (06) Training Positions open at this time
with no specific plans for opening additional positions in the immediate future. 
Q.
Do previous Applicants have to provide new letters of reference?
A: Previous Applicants may
reuse previous letters of reference.
Q.
If an Applicant has only worked for one employer, what should the Applicant
do about providing information from three previous employers?
A: An Applicant that has worked for one or
two employers should note that on their application and provide the information
from those employers. An employment history of less than three employers is not
a disqualifying factor.
Q.
What
references is the written examination based on?
A:
The list of references is now listed on the SEAPA Web-Site under Written
Examination Bibliography.
Q.
When
must the candidates be at PMI?
A:
All candidates
must be at PMI Monday, March 10, 2008 at 12:30 to register for written exam and
draw a number for simulation.
Q.
What
provisions are made for candidates that are not available during the examination
period March 10-14, 2008?
A:
Interested applicants that cannot be available for examination during the
week of March 10-14 in Seattle will not be considered for the current training
position openings. Interested applicants that are not available for this examination
period, that maintain an interest, will have to wait until a future opening by
the Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association of training positions and the accompanying
examination period.
Q.
Can I schedule my written exam or simulator for a specific day during the week
of March 10-14?
A: The evaluations will take
place in Seattle during the week of March 10-14, 2008. To ensure fairness to all
candidates, individual appointments will not be scheduled. All candidates must
be available during that timeframe. HealthForce
can take three candidates each hour – beginning at 6:00 a.m. through 11:00
a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2008. The testing takes twenty minutes and can only
be done one at a time. Each candidate must contact Kat McDonald to schedule appointments
– at (206) 624-3651. Each candidate must pay Health Force at the time of
their testing, the cost is $150.00 per person. The
written examination will be held for all candidates on the afternoon of March
10, 2008, and the individual simulator evaluations on March 11-14, 2008, at the
Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI), 1729 Alaskan Way S, Seattle, Washington. Candidates
will draw numbers for the purpose of scheduling appointments for the simulation
evaluation on Monday afternoon at PMI. Candidates will be evaluated in the order
determined by the drawing of names (conducted prior to the start of the written
examination). Map
showing the location of both facilities.
Q.
What is involved with the agility work-test?
A:
The Health Force agility work-test is a pass/fail evaluation and candidates
will be notified immediately of their results. If a candidate fails the agility
work-test, they will not be permitted to continue in the evaluation process. Per
the requirements of Part VI to Volume I of the SEAPA
Training Program; candidates will perform work tasks including: (1)
Climbing a pilot ladder; and (2) Opening and closing a watertight door; and (3)
Donning a survival suit; and (4) Climbing stairs; and (5) Balance and coordination
activities; and (6) 50 pound floor to waist lifting; and (7) Other activities
as directed by the testing facility. Work-test
evaluation form - This is the same form and activities you will be asked to
do.
Q.
Are there disqualifying factors to taking the work-test?
A:
In order to participate in the agility work-test, candidates must meet all
pre-test criteria related to medical history. The criteria are designed to ensure
safe performance during the work-test. Prior to beginning the work-test, it will
be the candidate's responsibility to discuss any relevant past or current medical
conditions that may impact safe performance of test activities with the evaluator.
Information related to medical history IS NOT shared with SEAPA. Relevant
Medical Conditions Include:- High blood pressure (blood pressure consistently
higher than 140/90).- Cardiovascular conditions that affect heart rate.- Past
or current musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that have resulted in temporary
or permanent activity restrictions.- History of seizures.- Any other cardiovascular
system conditions.- Any other medical condition (past or current) that may impact
safe performance of the Work-Test and/or job.- Current medications (prescription
of over the counter) that may affect heart rate, balance, vision, coordination,
alertness, judgment, or safety. It
is the candidate's responsibility to provide written documentation from your treating
physician if currently being treated for any of these conditions. If candidates
do not meet pre-test criteria and do not have written documentation to allow participation
in the test, you will not be tested. Bring
or wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and closed-toe, non-heeled shoes.
If you take medications, take all usual medications the day of the work-test appointment. If
you have any questions about your medical history as it relates to meeting pre-test
criteria, contact Health Force Customer Service at (425) 806-5776.
Q.
What subjects does the written exam address and what type of exam is it?
A:
The written examination is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions and
will be administered to all candidates at the same time over a two-hour period
from 1300 to 1500 on March 10, 2008 at PMI. Per the requirements of Part VII to
Volume I of the Training Program; the written exam consists of questions covering
the following subjects: (1)
Seamanship and Shiphandling; including, (A) Ship control forces (use of rudders,
engines, thrusters); and (B) Use of anchors; and (C) Use of tugs; and (D) Pivot
point and directional stability principles; and (E) Shallow water and narrow channel
maneuvering; and (F) Procedures for docking, undocking, anchoring, and mooring
and unmooring to buoys; and (G) Effects of wind, current, vessel draft, trim and
other characteristics; and (H) Emergency procedures (loss of propulsion, steering
casualties). (2)
Human Factors; including,(A) The Master - Pilot relationship; and (B) Duties of
a Pilot; and (C) Fatigue and decision making; and (D) Bridge Resource Management;
and (E) Communications. (3)
Environmental Factors; including,(A) Tides, and (B) Currents, and (C) Weather,
and (D) Wind, and (E) Pollution responsibilities, and (F) Marine mammal protection. (4)
Navigation Factors; including, (A) Nautical chart use, and (B) Nautical chart
symbols and datum, and (C) Aids to Navigation (5)
International Rules of the Road (6)
Pilot Personal Safety
Q.
What does the simulator evaluation address?
A:Per
the requirements of Part VII to Volume I of the Training Program, the simulator
exercise will evaluate the following elements: (1)
Fundamental piloting and shiphandling ability; and (2) Ability to assimilate and
prioritize all data necessary to safely maneuver the ship; and (3) Ability to
respond appropriately in routine situations; and (4) Ability to respond appropriately
in emergency or non-routine situations; and (5) Ability to communicate well and
project proper bridge presence; and (6) Demonstrate understanding of Bridge Resource
Management; and (7) Demonstrate understanding of and command of the International
Rules of the Road.
Q.
Is there a practice session in the simulator before the actual evaluation?
A:
SEAPA does not provide or schedule individual practice session(s) before the actual
evaluation. On March 10, 2008, after the written examination, a group demonstration
of the simulator and simulation area will be provided. Candidates will be divided
into groups for this demonstration. All candidates are required to attend this
demonstration. Candidates
may arrange on their own to purchase simulator time on a "like-vessel";
however this is an individual decision independent of SEAPA and the evaluation
process. Candidates wishing to gain additional experience in the PMI simulator
may contact Jennie Fowler at 206-441-2880 or jfowler@mates.org.
For those not interested or able to purchase extended simulator time; PMI will
set aside time for hourly simulator practice sessions for candidates. Again, interested
candidates should contact Jennie Fowler for details on scheduling and costs.
Q.
How long is the simulator exercise?
A: Each
evaluation will be scheduled for one hour and 15 minutes. Six applicants will
be evaluated each day starting at 0800. There will be three evaluations in the
morning session, a lunch break and three evaluations in the afternoon session.
Candidates shall arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled beginning of
their evaluation.
Q.
Will information be provided before the simulator exercise to voyage plan with?
A:
A simulator information packet will be made available to all candidates at
the same time on March 10, 2008 at the simulator group demonstration. The purpose
of the simulator information packet is to allow candidates to familiarize themselves
with the environment in which the simulator exercise will be given, and will include:
(1) Tide and
current information; (2) A navigation chart of the relevant geographic area; (3)
Information regarding regulations for the geographic area, and Bridge to Bridge
communications similar to the information provided in a Coast Pilot; (4) The maneuvering
characteristics of the vessel; and (5) The particulars of the vessel including
maneuvering speeds. Q.
What type of radar is used in the simulator?
A. A Transas Modified Sperry
Bridgemaster
E Radar will be used in the simulator exercise.
Q.
How can I best study for the examination(s) and will I get to review my examination(s)
when finished?
A:
It is not the purpose of entrance examinations to “train”
candidates. Piloting is not an entry-level profession within the maritime profession
itself. Candidates are expected to have more than a basic level of maritime knowledge,
skills and abilities to enter a pilotage training program. Candidates are expected
to have a familiarity of the pilotage profession; the role and duties of a pilot;
and the nature of pilot and bridge team interaction (e.g. Master-Pilot exchange).
The examinations have been developed and validated by an extensive process involving
subject matter specialists in maritime and pilotage subjects; specialists in marine
training, education, instructional and evaluation technologies; and nationally
recognized psychometric experts. Candidates are encouraged to review the references
cited in the bibliography; to review the examination provisions of Volume I to
the Association Training Program and to practice generally accepted good test
taking ski lls and practices. Candidates will not be permitted to review the written
examination after completion. Candidates will be provided examination results
review procedures prior to the start of the examination as well as the procedures
for appeals (consistent with the provisions of the SEAPA Training Program Volume
I).
| 
Ketchikan,
Alaska Chamber
of Commerce
