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Full Time Ship Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Mobile, AL · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Brunswick, GA · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Bucksport, ME · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Marco Island, FL

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Portland, ME · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Red Wing, MN

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tampa, FL · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Arlington, OR · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Nashville, TN · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Providence, RI · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Nashville, TN · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tampa, FL

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Fort Madison, IA

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Wheeling, WV · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Wilmington, NC · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Tunica, MS · On-site

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ... This is a full-time, exempt position. Qualifications: * U.S. Coast Guard Master's license: minimum ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsFull Time Ship Pilot Jobs

Full Time Ship Pilot information

See salary details

$72K

$185.6K

$247K

How much do full time ship pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time ship pilot in the United States is $185,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,500.00 and $209,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Ship Pilot jobs are:
Full Time Ship Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Ship Pilot job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 25% Full Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $185,569 per year, or $89.2 per hour.
River Pilot

River Pilot

American Cruise Lines

Mobile, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.

  • Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.

  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.

Job description

River Pilot
American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots 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 amp; 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.

Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader. American Cruise Lines Nav Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and river waterways. Our Nav Mates are prudent decision-makers continually assessing potential risk weeks, days, and hours ahead of the vessel and crew. Our Nav Mates are meticulous professionals, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.

Nav Mates 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.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

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