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Harbor Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

G&H Towing

Dispatcher

Deer Park, TX · On-site

The Watch Stander is a primary communicator between vessels, pilots, towing companies, agents, customers, and shoreside personnel. * Receives orders from the harbor master, agents, and other ...

G&H Towing

Dispatcher

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

The Corpus Christi Watchstander is the primary communicator between vessels, pilots, towing companies, agents, customers, and shoreside personnel. Receives orders from the harbor master, agents, and ...

Foss Maritime

Foss PNW Captain Trainee/Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Coordinate with vessel pilots, terminal personnel, customers, and crew members to support safe and ...

Cirrus Aircraft

Flight Instructor 2

Alcoa, TN · On-site

... Harbor, MI; Scottsdale/Chandler, AZ, as well as other regions as needed for events or additional business requirements. Travel frequency for this position: up to 25%. Qualifications * One year pilot ...

Foss Maritime

Foss PNW Captain Trainee/Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in harbor and terminal towage, tug ... Coordinate with vessel pilots, terminal personnel, customers, and crew members to support safe and ...

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Deckhand

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

The role of harbor tug Deckhand is to assist the tug Master and crew in the timely, efficient, and ... deckhand and Mate (Pilot), * Rapidly acquiring expertise in company policies and procedures,

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Harbor Pilot information

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$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.

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Harbor Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harbor Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Mate (Pilot)

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks
  • Health insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Profit sharing
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

Role Objectives: The role of tug Mate (Pilot) is to assist the tug Master in the timely, efficient, and orderly operation and management of the company’s tug.  This position is for nationwide offshore towing operations working a 21/21 schedule. All Mate (Pilots) must hold the appropriate and unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential, Near Coastal or Oceans route, Medical Credential, Radar Observer license, Radio Operator License, STCW Basic Training, and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.  The Mate (Pilot) must be familiar with and dedicated to the safety, environmental health, security, and maintenance standards of the crew, vessel and company.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Stand wheelman watches (offshore) 12 hours per day.
  • Piloting the vessel in a safe, disciplined, prudent, and orderly manner,
  • Delivering the vessel and crew to the proper destination safely,
  • Maintaining unity, good order, and discipline among the crew, 
  • Under observation by the master, directing the overall operation of the vessel and crew,
  • Familiarizing him/her self with the master’s responsibilities, authority and duties such that he/she is ready, at any moment of incapacitation of the master, of acting as master of the vessel for as long as may be necessary,
  • Training other crewmembers on company policies and procedures,
  • Ensuring that company policies and procedures are followed,
  • Actively participating in drills, training, company meetings and on board safety evolutions, and enhancing the safety and security posture of the vessel,
  • Assisting in vessel orientation for new crewmembers,
  • Reporting deficiencies in the vessel or crew to the master,
  • Maintaining a professional attitude during operations and whenever dealing with customers, partners or company personnel,
  • Other appropriate tasks and duties as may be assigned from time to time by company officials or the master.

Skill Requirements:
  • Effectively and safely maneuver ASD tractor tug.
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing,
  • Effectiveness in operating equipment associated with navigation and communications, such as VHF radios, radar units, AIS receivers, and personal computers,
  • Appropriate vessel handling, navigation, watchstanding and seamanship experience,
  • Strong problem solving ability,
  • Good spatial orientation and assertiveness,
  • Effective social adaptability, interpersonal skills and resilience.

Knowledge Requirements:
  •  Vessel operations and wheelhouse management as would be gained by at least six years of direct, hands-on experience aboard towing vessels in domestic service.
  • Minimum credential of National Mate (Pilot) of Towing on Near Costal.  Prefer National Mate (Pilot) of Towing on Oceans route.  
  • Minimum STCW Basic Training

Education:
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  • Additional Qualifications:
  • TWIC card and driver’s license required,
  • Must reside in vicinity of Lake Charles, LA or be willing and able to relocate to that area at own expense.
  • Preferred Offshore towing experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Worker will exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
  • Work onboard vessels in the offshore environment. 
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping quickly, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling and swimming.
  • Worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away, or to judge the distance between him/her and an object.  Must have normal color vision.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from weather. 
  • The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed area and is required to function in small vessels.