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Boat Pilot Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and ...

Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr. * Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming. * Good communication skills and team skills.

Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr. * Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming. * Good communication skills and team skills.

Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr. * Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming. * Good communication skills and team skills.

Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr. * Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming. * Good communication skills and team skills.

Boat Pilot information

See Georgia salary details

$46K

$122K

$228K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for boat pilot in Georgia is $122,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $194,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat pilot?

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.

What does a boat pilot do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a boat pilot?

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 are 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 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 marine boat pilots paid well?

Marine boat pilots typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, certification, and the type of vessels they operate. Salaries can range from moderate to high, especially for pilots working in busy ports or with specialized skills, and often include benefits due to the demanding nature of the job. Overall, the profession offers the potential for good compensation compared to many other maritime roles.

How much do boat pilots make?

Boat pilots, also known as marine pilots, typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of vessels they pilot. They often work long hours and require specialized certifications and knowledge of local waterways. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the navigation and the employer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boat Pilot jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Boat Pilot jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Pilot jobs in Georgia?

For Boat Pilot jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Pilot jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Pilot jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Boat Pilot jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Boat Pilot job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Boat Pilot jobs in GA?

For Boat Pilot jobs in GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Boat Pilot job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $122,039 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Captain
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Captains to lead our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers. American Cruise Lines modern vessels accommodate 100 to 200 guests designed for safe navigation and exceptional service.
Captains are responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Captains are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Captains enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute prudent maneuvering, docking, locking, and anchoring.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
  • Oversee Shipboard Engineer.
  • Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Provide visible leadership through announcements, rounds, and guest interaction.

Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum 100T, desired 1600T or greater.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Captain experience on coastal and river waterways: min 2yrs, desired 5yrs with Z-drive experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and team-building skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Great Lakes Captain: Route familiarization and recency in all or several areas including: St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary's River, and U.S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.