California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 1175

(a) The person can meet the qualifications set by the board, including age limitations, if any.

(b) The person is of good mental and physical health and good moral character.

(c) The person possesses the requisite skill and experience as a navigator and pilot, together with practical knowledge of the currents, tide, soundings, bearings, and distances of the several shoals, and the rocks, bars, points of landings, lights, and fog signals of, or pertaining to, the navigation of the pilot ground for which the person applies for a license to act as a pilot.

(d) The person can satisfy the board that the person has means availablefor boarding and leaving vessels which the person may be called upon to pilot.