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Harbor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

$350 - $700/day

... harbor service usage, and overtime. The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. 5.1.7 The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a ...

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

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 ...

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 ...

... harbor location. This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as well as charter flying. As pic, you will be the primary face of cutter aviation and ...

... harbor location. This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as well as charter flying. As pic, you will be the primary face of cutter aviation and ...

Cutter Aviation has an immediate need for an energetic and knowledgeable aviation professional to serve as Pilot-in-Command [PIC] of a new PC-12 Pilatus based at our Phoenix Sky Harbor location. This ...

Cutter Aviation has an immediate need for an energetic and knowledgeable aviation professional to serve as Pilot-in-Command [PIC] of a new PC-12 Pilatus based at our Phoenix Sky Harbor location. This ...

Cutter Aviation has an immediate need for an energetic and knowledgeable aviation professional to serve as Pilot-in-Command [PIC] of a new PC-12 Pilatus based at our Phoenix Sky Harbor location. This ...

Cutter Aviation has an immediate need for an energetic and knowledgeable aviation professional to serve as Pilot-in-Command [PIC] of a new PC-24 Pilatus based at our Phoenix Sky Harbor location. This ...

Description Cutter Aviation has an immediate need for an energetic and knowledgeable aviation professional to serve as Pilot-in-Command [PIC] of a new PC-24 Pilatus based at our Phoenix Sky Harbor ...

... Harbor location. This position will involve single pilot operations supporting the owners travel requirements as well as charter flying. As PIC, you will be the primary face of Cutter Aviation and ...

Our pilots are the face of the company and in addition to flight responsibilities, are responsible ... Bethel, Emmonak, Dillingham, King Salmon, Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Kenai and Anchorage, working on a ...

Our pilots are the face of the company and in addition to flight responsibilities, are responsible ... Bethel, Emmonak, Dillingham, King Salmon, Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Kenai and Anchorage, working on a ...

Description The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time Harbor Officer in the Harbor ... pilot a vessel; to frequently make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties ...

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named ...

Showing results 21-40

Harbor Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do harbor pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for harbor pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a harbor pilot do?

A typical day for a Harbor Pilot involves boarding large vessels as they approach or depart a port, frequently by pilot boat or sometimes by helicopter, and expertly navigating them through challenging harbor waters to their berth or safe exit. Pilots must coordinate closely with ship captains, tugboat crews, and harbor authorities to ensure every maneuver is safe and compliant with local regulations. Work schedules can vary, often including night shifts, weekends, and being on-call to respond to ships at any hour. The role requires constant focus and readiness, as every vessel and weather condition presents unique challenges.

What is a harbor pilot?

A Harbor Pilot is a highly trained maritime professional responsible for safely navigating ships into and out of ports, harbors, and restricted waterways. They have expert knowledge of local tides, currents, and hazards, ensuring vessels avoid accidents and comply with port regulations. Pilots board incoming ships, often via pilot boats or helicopters, and take temporary control to guide them safely to their berth. Their work is crucial for preventing collisions, protecting the environment, and maintaining efficient port operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a harbor pilot?

To thrive as a Harbor Pilot, you need expert knowledge of local waterways, advanced ship handling abilities, and a marine pilot license, often requiring years of seafaring experience and specialized examination. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, communication equipment, and local port regulations is crucial. Exceptional situational awareness, decisiveness under pressure, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure the safe and efficient guiding of vessels, protecting crews, cargo, and infrastructure within busy harbors.

More about Harbor Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Harbor Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Harbor Pilot job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Harbor Pilot jobs? The most popular types of Harbor Pilot jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Harbor Pilot jobs? The top employers for Harbor Pilot jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Harbor Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Harbor Pilot jobs are:
Infographic showing various Harbor Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

$350 - $700/day

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Purpose:

The principal responsibilities and authorities of the Pilot position aboard company vessels are outlined below.

Responsibility and Authority:

  1. a) The Pilot is responsible for the safety and the security of his crew and vessel, the tow and cargo, and the satisfactory performance of all crew members. The Pilot is authorized to make any and all decisions (within approved policy and procedural guidelines) regarding the vessel and its crew, while on duty and particularly as they pertain to safety.
  1. b) The Pilot must adhere to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI) if/when the vessel has been issued one. The Pilot must ensure the vessel is manned in accordance with the COI.
  2. c) The Pilot must also ensure that Company policies, rules, and regulations are followed and the "Rules of the Road" and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations are strictly adhered to.
  3. d) The Pilot must make a reasonable effort to be familiar with and adhere to the provisions of the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) applicable to the vessel.
  4. e) The Pilot is responsible for both reviewing the contents of the safety management system applicable to the towing vessel and reporting non-conformities to shore-based management.

f) The Pilot must immediately report any nonconformity to the Office by telephone. Nonconformities may include but are not limited to such items as all violations of policies or violations of Federal, State, or local laws, safety or seaworthiness of the vessel, crewing issues, safety or seaworthiness of any barges or other equipment, crew injuries, incidences or illnesses, all equipment incidents or accidents. Nonconformities and reporting details must be detailed in the Vessel Log.

  1. g) The Pilot is responsible for supervising all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties.

1) The Pilot has the authority to determine that an operation endangers the vessel or crew.

2) If the Pilot has determined that an unsafe condition exists, the Pilot must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken, and must not proceed until it is safe to do so.

  1. h) The Pilot of the vessel serves as a watch stander and is responsible for safety of navigation and operation of their towing vessel and associated equipment.

1) The Pilot has the authority to determine if it is unsafe for the towing vessel to proceed.

2) If the Pilot has determined it is unsafe to proceed, the Pilot must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken, and must not proceed until it is safe to do so.

  1. i) Nothing in the safety management system applicable to the towing vessel shall be misinterpreted in a manner that limits the Pilot of their own responsibility to take such steps as s/he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress, or for other emergency conditions.
  2. j) The Pilot has the authority to request the company's help whenever they deem necessary.

Pilot for Fleet or Line Haul Operations

The job description and duties of Pilot (Pilot for Fleet or Line haul) for vessels engaged in Line Haul service are outlined below and shall apply to all Pilots employed by Superior Marine.


Position Summary

5.1.1 The Pilot is directly responsible for the safety of the towing vessel.

5.1.2 The Pilot is directly responsible for all vessel operations and must be knowledgeable of general operation of the vessel, its systems, to follow and carry out safety rules, procedures, and policies as stated in the Safety Management System applicable to the towing vessel.

5.1.3 The Pilot is responsible for adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI), if/when issued.

5.1.4 The Pilot is responsible for adhering to the provisions of all applicable company policies and procedures and for all regulations.

5.1.5 The Pilot must also make a reasonable effort to review the contents of the Safety Management System initially and when any changes are made thereafter, and comply with the Safety Management System, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

5.1.6 The Pilot monitors and controls expenditures for fuel, supplies, harbor service usage, and overtime. The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions.

5.1.7 The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area they operate, Radar Observer certificates, Medical and TWIC cards. Note if any renewal dates are expired then the license is not valid to work under.

  • Original unexpired documents must be in the possession of the wheelhouse personnel when on board the vessel.
  • Any change in the status of an individual's license or radar certificate or medical card must immediately be reported to Management.
  • Copies of required documents shall be kept in the office in employee files.

5.1.8 The Pilot is responsible for and will be held accountable for his/her own health, safety, and cleanliness as well as the safety, cleanliness and work performance of all those crew members under him/her. He/she must be familiar with the company's policies, procedures, safety rules and regulations, and must abide by them at all times.

5.1.9 The Pilot is responsible for supervising all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties.

5.1.10 The Pilot is responsible for maintaining all safety, lifesaving and PPE equipment aboard the vessel. The Pilot shall ensure the vessel is properly equipped; the equipment is kept ready for use and is inspected and checked as prescribed in the Safety Management System.

5.1.11 The Pilot shall ensure that all crewmembers are properly trained in the use of the firefighting and lifesaving equipment and all crewmembers are properly trained in emergency response procedures to respond to various emergencies that may arise in the marine environment.

5.1.13 The Pilot must maintain company required logs, documentation and checklist as described in the Safety Management System.


Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule for a fleet Pilot is a rotation of days and night shifts that vary with the assigned vessel for not more than 12 hours per 24 hour period, except in an emergency.