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Boat Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ergon

River Boat Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Pilot Qualifications * Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials for the assigned area of operation * Must possess a valid TWIC Card, Radio License, and Radar Observer Certificate, as ...

Ergon

River Boat Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Pilot Qualifications * Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials for the assigned area of operation * Must possess a valid TWIC Card, Radio License, and Radar Observer Certificate, as ...

Meuth Concrete

Marine Harbor Boat pilot

Henderson, KY · On-site

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 ...

Ergon

River Boat Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

Pilot Qualifications Must hold appropriate USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials for the assigned area of operation Must possess a valid TWIC Card, Radio License, and Radar Observer Certificate, as ...

ENSTRUCTURE LLC

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

The Tow Boat Pilot is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the loading and unloading cargo off barges. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Responsible for the safe and efficient operation ...

ENSTRUCTURE LLC

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

The Tow Boat Pilot is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the loading and unloading cargo off barges. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : * Responsible for the safe and efficient ...

ENSTRUCTURE LLC

Tow Boat Pilot

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

The Tow Boat Pilot is responsible for assisting in all aspects of the loading and unloading cargo off barges. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : * Responsible for the safe and efficient ...

Canal Barge Company, Inc.

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

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.

Canal Barge Company, Inc.

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

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.

Terral RiverService

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 ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

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.

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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
Union Boat Pilot - Marine Construction

Union Boat Pilot - Marine Construction

Brayman Construction

Monaca, PA • On-site

$44.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture is seeking an experienced Union Boat Pilot to support the Montgomery Lock & Dam Project in Monaca, Pennsylvania. This is a major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) inland waterway infrastructure project on the Ohio River with an anticipated 8-year duration.

This long-term, full-time union position is responsible for operating project vessels that support heavy civil construction activities. 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, long-term employment on a high-profile federal infrastructure project.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

  • Monday through Friday schedule, approximately 40 hours per week
  • Additional overtime available based on project needs and per the collective bargaining agreement
  • Union position, successful candidate will join the applicable Operating Engineers Local

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Union wage starting at $44.96 per hour (based on experience)
  • Overtime pay
  • Medical / Prescription Drug Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Additional benefits provided through the collective bargaining agreement

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Safely operate towboats and support vessels for marine construction operations
  • Position and maneuver construction barges, crane barges, and floating equipment
  • Support marine construction activities including pile driving and barge crane work
  • Monitor river conditions and coordinate vessel movements in the active navigation pool
  • Work closely with deckhands, marine crews, and construction teams
  • Perform daily vessel inspections and maintain safe work areas
  • Ensure compliance with USACE requirements and U.S. Coast Guard regulations
  • Communicate effectively with project supervision and marine fleet personnel

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 5 years of experience operating towboats or similar inland marine vessels
  • Minimum 10 years of total marine experience
  • Experience operating vessels in inland river navigation systems
  • Marine construction or barge fleet support experience preferred
  • Strong knowledge of river navigation, barge handling, and vessel positioning
  • Familiarity with lock and dam navigation procedures
  • Thorough understanding of marine safety practices and navigation rules
  • Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) or equivalent required
  • Recent and verifiable work history required
  • Ability to work effectively in a union marine-construction environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed on and around water in an active inland river navigation pool supporting heavy civil construction. Duties involve operating vessels and working aboard towboats, barges, and floating equipment in varying weather and river conditions.


SAFETY

This is a Safety Sensitive Position requiring work on project sites, including federal projects. Project sites contain various safety hazards associated with heavy construction. This position may require working at heights, in confined spaces, around heavy equipment, and under constantly changing circumstances. This position may also entail project site work at night and on weekends on an as needed basis. This position will be subject to more stringent drug testing and compliance policies associated with our status as a Federal Contractor.


CONFIDENTIALITY

Some positions with the company will have access to confidential and proprietary information. Successful candidates for those positions will be required to sign our standard confidentiality agreement as a condition of employment.


Location: 15061


Brayman and Affiliate Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state and local laws.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro