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Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ergon

Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Harbor Boat Pilot Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a full time Harbor Boat Pilot at its Vicksburg location. If you are a hard-working person who likes to help others and be ...

The Lindy Group

Inland Marine Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

Inland Marine Boat Pilot Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture Montgomery Lock & Dam Project - Monaca, Pennsylvania Trumbull Corporation is seeking an experienced union Inland Marine Boat Pilot to support ...

Rogers Group

Boat Pilot

Flatwoods, TN · On-site

$25/hr

Rogers Group is currently seeking candidates for a BOAT PILOT position at our Tennessee River Sand and Gravel operation, located in Linden, TN . The successful candidate for this role will have ...

Rogers Group

Boat Pilot

Flatwoods, TN · On-site

$25/hr

Rogers Group is currently seeking candidates for a BOAT PILOT position at our Tennessee River Sand and Gravel operation, located in Linden, TN . The successful candidate for this role will have ...

Terral River Service Inc

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Cincinnati, OH

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool. SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Lettsworth, LA · On-site

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

Terral RiverService

BOAT PILOT

Channelview, TX · On-site

This provides a general overview of the typical responsibilities and qualifications for a Boat Pilot. Actual job requirements may vary based on the specific needs of the organization and industry ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool. This role offers stable ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool. This role offers stable ...

Brayman Construction

Union Boat Pilot

Monaca, PA · On-site

$44.96/hr

The Boat Pilot will safely maneuver towboats and support vessels to position barges, floating cranes, and other marine equipment within an active inland river navigation pool. This role offers stable ...

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat pilot in the United States is $144,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $230,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Boat Pilots during daily operations?

Boat Pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating in adverse weather conditions, managing vessel traffic in busy waterways, and ensuring compliance with local maritime regulations. They must also maintain clear communication with crew members and port authorities to ensure safe docking and undocking procedures. Adapting to rapidly changing environmental factors and making quick decisions are crucial aspects of the role.

What Is the Job of a Boat Pilot?

A boat pilot operates a shipping vessel that may serve in several capacities, from transporting goods to ferrying passengers through areas where a captain may not have local knowledge for navigation. In this career, you usually work for a port or dock instead of a particular ship. Your duties may take you aboard a variety of boats throughout a day, making familiarity with basic operation imperative. Excellent communication between both the shore dispatchers and the crew is vital. To succeed as a boat pilot, you need exceptional knowledge of the hazards, currents, and tides of the harbor at which you work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Pilot, you need strong navigational skills, maritime knowledge, and relevant licensure such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or pilot's license. Familiarity with navigation systems like GPS, radar, and electronic chart display systems is essential, along with knowledge of maritime safety regulations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe vessel operation, compliance with regulations, and effective teamwork in dynamic maritime environments.

What is the difference between Boat Pilot vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectBoat PilotMarine Deckhand
CredentialsCommercial boating license, navigation trainingBasic maritime safety certifications, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentOperates vessels, navigates waterwaysAssists with vessel maintenance, cargo handling
Employer & IndustryMaritime companies, shipping, ferriesShipping companies, cruise lines, fishing industry

Boat Pilots are responsible for navigating and operating vessels, requiring navigation licenses and specialized training. Marine Deckhands assist with vessel maintenance and cargo, often with basic safety certifications. While both roles work in maritime environments, Boat Pilots have more responsibility for navigation and vessel operation, whereas Marine Deckhands support daily vessel functions.

Are boat captains in demand?

Boat captains, also known as boat pilots or ship captains, are in demand in industries such as shipping, tourism, and maritime transportation. Employment opportunities depend on industry growth, geographic location, and required certifications like a captain's license or maritime training. The demand can fluctuate with economic conditions and regional maritime activity.

What are Boat Pilots?

Boat Pilots, also known as maritime pilots or harbor pilots, are skilled professionals who navigate ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors, rivers, or canals. They possess expert knowledge of local waterways and assist a ship's captain by boarding vessels and providing guidance to ensure safe passage. Their work is crucial in preventing accidents and protecting both the vessel and the surrounding environment. Boat Pilots often work for port authorities or pilot associations and must hold specialized licenses.
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Boat Pilot jobs near you
Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Ergon, Inc

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Ergon Inc. rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Harbor Boat Pilot
Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a full time Harbor Boat Pilot at its Vicksburg location.
If you are a hard-working person who likes to help others and be proud of the physical work that you accomplish, then this might be a job that you would enjoy. EMIS services vessels and tows and this job allows you to be a part of that support of the river crews.
Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. EMIS is a subsidiary with facilities that support marine traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Our facilities are located in Vicksburg, MS, Memphis, TN, and Wood River, IL.
Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) Matching, Health, Life, Dental, Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance, and Profit Sharing
The Harbor Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel and tow in a manner that complies with company policy, U. S. Coast Guard rules and regulations and federal, state, and local laws. Assist Fuel Boat Pilot in overseeing EMIS operations when upper management is not available.
Harbor Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:
  • Ensure that company policy, rules and regulations are followed.
  • Report violations of EMIS company policy or violations of federal, state or local laws.
  • Ensure deck crew are performing their duties.
  • Inspect all areas of vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance and a clean vessel is ready for voyage.
  • Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.
  • Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge.
  • Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS vessels and docks are using Proper PPE.
  • Assist other operations as required by management.
  • Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment while documenting fleet check once every six hours or according to MARSEC levels.
  • Inspect all barges according to the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report, notify a supervisor immediately of any damage and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.
  • Responsible for reviewing the tow orders and determining whether the boat is of sufficient horsepower.
  • Report incidents immediately to appropriate supervisor and enter in vessel logs.
  • Order supplies as needed.
  • Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher.
  • Ensure fire hose with nozzle is at each fire station.
  • Ensure dewatering pumps are on board the vessel and ready for use.
  • Ensure adequate number of approved life preservers are on board.
  • Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.
  • Ensure crewmembers are properly trained in emergency procedures including fire drills.
  • Chip, Buff, Prime and paint vessel and equipment as needed.
  • Complete Towing Vessel Record in TowWorks each shift which includes the following:
    • Engine Room Log
    • Fuel Operations Log
    • Pre-Sail Check List

    When a Harbor Boat Pilot is assigned the task of training an upcoming pilot the current pilot is considered the "Master of the Vessel" and is responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of the trainee in the performance of their duties.
    Captain is required to have a safety briefing with crew prior to engaging in any barge tow work, barge movement activity or fuel transfers. This briefing must be documented in the towing vessel record.

Harbor Boat Pilot Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must have a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing
  • Must have sufficient time with EMIS to prove competence and leadership skills as determined by the Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company
  • Must be able to swim
  • Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)
  • Must have a valid driver's license

We are an EEO/AAP employer.
Position: Harbor Boat Pilot
Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.

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