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Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of all crew and equipment. Responsibilities & Duties: * Responsible for safety of navigation and ...

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

$500 - $575/hr

Tow Boat Pilot Enstructure Location: 382 Klinke Road, Memphis, TN 38127 Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $500$575 per day, based on experience Schedule: Vessel-based, full-time. Towing operations run on a ...

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 ...

We are looking to add to our team a Marine Harbor Boat Pilot. The candidate should have 2-3 years handling tow boats on the western rivers. The candidate must be well verse in the day to day ...

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts. All Pilots must possess a current U.S.

The work schedule follows either a 21 days on / 21 days off rotation (Line Boat) or a 14 days on / 7 days off rotation (Fleet Boat), working 12-hour shifts. All Pilots must possess a current U.S.

BOAT PILOT - FLEET

Blytheville, AR · On-site

$21.75 - $29/hr

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 ...

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Boat Pilot information

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do boat pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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.

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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Infographic showing various Boat Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Job description

Company Overview

Livestock Nutrition Center specializes in blending customized rations, supplements and premixes to meet the specific nutritional needs of Livestock Producer's operations. We understand that management, performance objectives and feeding practices can be vastly different between operations, and that these differences dictate specific nutritional or formulation requirements. Our experienced sales staff and nutritionist will work with the Producer to design a feeding program that is specific to their operation.

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to add value to the suppliers and end users in the feed ingredient supply chain through distribution, processing and service.

Guiding Principle

Our focus is to provide customized feeding programs, nutritional products, and expert service to livestock producers that promote their long-term success and profitability.

Position Summary:

Livestock Nutrition Center, a leading regional feed manufacturer, is looking for qualified Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot. This individual will be responsible for navigation and operation of the towing vessel and associated equipment. The Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot will oversee all crew onboard and is responsible for the safety of all crew and equipment.

Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Responsible for safety of navigation and operation of the towing vessel and associated equipment.
  • Determine if an operation would endanger the vessel or crew. If such is the case, the Harbor/Port Tugboat Pilot must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken and must not proceed until it is safe to do so.
  • Ensure the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in various weather and river conditions.
  • Oversee all vessel operations.
  • Monitor and control expenditures for fuel, supplies, harbor service usage, and overtime.
  • Adhere to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection if/when the vessel has been issued one.
  • Supervise all persons onboard to carry out their assigned duties.
  • Ensure that all crewmembers are properly trained in the use of the firefighting and lifesaving equipment, as well as trained in emergency response procedures for various emergencies that may arise in the marine environment.
  • Maintain company, state, and federally required logs, documentation, and checklists.  
  • Ensure the vessel is properly equipped with all safety, lifesaving, and PPE equipment. Maintain that equipment is kept ready for use and is inspected and checked regularly.
  • Ensure all federal, state, and local regulations are strictly adhered to.
  • Strictly adhere to safety requirements, policies, and procedures as outlined in the employee manual and safety meetings.
Qualifications and Skills:
  • Ability to work safely.
  • Must be knowledgeable of general operation of the vessel, its systems, safety rules, procedures, and policies.
  • Must meet all requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area operated, Radar Observer certificates, Medical, and TWIC cards.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Effective written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Reliable, regular on-time attendance is required and essential to the operation of the LNC team.
  • Can read and speak English.
  • Willing to submit to background/drug checks and provide employment references.

Physical Requirements:

  • Standing for up to 10 hours throughout the shift, and up to 6 hours at a time.
  • Frequent walking and standing on vessel decks during navigation and inspections.
  • Ability to regularly carry, move, push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to climb ladders, gangways, and stairways between vessel levels.
  • Ability to maintain balance on moving, wet, or uneven surfaces.
  • Occasional bending and stooping.
  • Ability to reach while operating controls, handling equipment, accessing storage areas.
  • Hand dexterity in order to operate controls, radios, navigation equipment, and tools.
  • Ability to read navigation instruments, identify markers and vessel lights, and maintain situational awareness.
  • Ability to hear radio communications, alarms, machinery sounds, and crew instructions.
  • Ability to work extended shifts, commonly 8 hours or longer, while maintaining alertness and operational awareness.

Environmental Conditions:

  • Exposure to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
  • Exposure to vessel vibration, engine noise, and moving machinery.
  • Work near water with risk of slipping or falling.
  • Occasional confined space entry for inspection purposes.

Safety Requirements:

  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including life vest/PFD, safety boots, eye protection, and hard hat when required.
  • Compliance with company safety programs and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
  • Participation in emergency response drills and procedures.

Benefits and Perks:

  • All full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.