Cal. Harb. & Nav. Code § 1141

(a) Each pilot license shall be valid for a period of one year and shall be renewed upon application and successful completion of the physical examination required by Section 1176.
(b) A pilot license shall not be renewed if the pilot possessing the license does not actively pilot vessels for any consecutive period of one year, unless the board determines the pilot is qualified and makes one of the following findings:
1. (1) The pilot has presented satisfactory proof of medical disability during that period.
2. (2) The board has granted the pilot a leave of absence without pay during that period.
3. (3) The pilot has been serving as port agent under Section 1130.
(c) A pilot licensee shall at all times hold an active and proper license to pilot vessels on the waters on which the pilot operates.
(d) The board may revoke or suspend the license of any pilot who does not use proper equipment maintained exclusively for pilotage or who operates on territorial waters not described in the license. This subdivision shall not be construed to require the use of a pilot boat in order to provide pilotage services for Monterey Bay.