ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Merchant Marine Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL

This is an opportunity to serve and support the training and development of a pilot's skills in ... USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card. * Minimum of ...

U.S. Coast Guard

Vessel Traffic Mgt Spec

New Orleans, LA · On-site +1

$74K - $97K/yr

... or pilots in an assigned area * Anticipates and intervenes to resolve user conflicts or ... Serving as a licensed merchant marine deck or engine officer or naval deck or engine officer. or

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the ... Applicants must possess a valid Merchant Mariner's Credential with a Western Rivers endorsement, a ...

Evansville Marine Service

Towboat Pilot

Louisville, KY · On-site

Pilots are expected to perform any duties required of them to ensure the safe operation of the ... Applicants must possess a valid Merchant Mariner's Credential with a Western Rivers endorsement, a ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsMerchant Marine Pilot Jobs

Merchant Marine Pilot information

See salary details

$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do merchant marine pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for merchant marine 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 is a Merchant Marine Pilot?

Merchant Marine Pilots are highly trained maritime professionals responsible for navigating ships through hazardous or congested waters, such as harbors, rivers, or canals. They board vessels to guide them safely to their destinations, using their extensive knowledge of local waterways, currents, and regulations. Merchant Marine Pilots play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of ships, preventing accidents and protecting the environment. They typically work with both domestic and international ships and must maintain specialized licenses and credentials.

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

To thrive as a Merchant Marine Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime navigation, ship handling, and local waterway regulations, supported by a relevant license from the U.S. Coast Guard or equivalent authority. Familiarity with radar, GPS, electronic chart display systems (ECDIS), and communication equipment is crucial for safe vessel operations. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and clear communication skills help pilots work effectively with ship crews and harbor personnel. These skills are vital to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels, prevent accidents, and protect marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Merchant Marine pilots during vessel navigation and how are they addressed?

Merchant Marine Pilots often encounter challenges such as maneuvering large vessels through congested or narrow waterways, unpredictable weather conditions, and coordinating with ship crews from diverse backgrounds. To address these challenges, pilots rely on advanced navigational technology, maintain clear communication with onboard teams and harbor authorities, and continually update their knowledge of local waterways. Ongoing training and simulation exercises also help pilots stay prepared for unexpected situations, ensuring safe and efficient vessel transit.

What is the difference between Merchant Marine Pilot vs Marine Engineer?

AspectMerchant Marine PilotMarine Engineer
CredentialsMerchant Mariner Credential with pilot endorsementsEngineering licenses or certifications, such as a Third Assistant Engineer license
Work EnvironmentBridge of ships, navigating and steering vesselsEngine rooms, maintaining and operating ship machinery
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, ports, maritime transportationShip operators, maritime engineering firms

Merchant Marine Pilots primarily navigate ships through ports and waterways, requiring navigation credentials, while Marine Engineers focus on maintaining ship engines and systems. Both roles are essential in maritime operations but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

How much do merchant marine pilots make?

Merchant marine pilots typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and the employer. Salaries can increase with seniority, certifications, and specialized skills such as navigation and safety procedures.

How to become a merchant marine pilot?

To become a merchant marine pilot, you typically need to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Third Mate or higher, which requires completing maritime training, accruing sea service hours, and passing written and practical exams. Additional certifications such as STCW may be required for international operations, and strong navigation, communication, and safety skills are essential. Gaining experience on ships and maintaining good physical health are also important steps in the process.
More about Merchant Marine Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Merchant Marine Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Merchant Marine Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Merchant Marine Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Merchant Marine Pilot jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Merchant Marine Pilot jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Merchant Marine Pilot jobs are:

Merchant Marine Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Captain

Bowhead

Fairhope, AL

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Overview

CAPTAIN - 100 Ton (MOB-2026-24393):

Bowhead Marine Support Services is accepting resumes for part-time Captains to operate a 32' high speed vessel during training operations at Mobile Bay. Position is located in Baldwin County, Fairhope, Alabama. 

Responsibilities

LOCATION: Vessel departs and returns from Fairhope, Alabama (Baldwin County). Due to the mission requirements for this task order, ONLY local Baldwin County residents capable of responding/arriving to assigned dock location in a timely manner will be considered.

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Monitors preparation of vessel and equipment.
  • Ensures safe and effective operation of the vessel.

Bowhead Marine Support Services is seeking part time on call Captains to support ship readiness and operations for the US Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center (ATC). The ATC's mission is to train and produce mission-ready aircrews and develop aviation capabilities. Involves shipboard operations, rigging for helicopter operations, and deck seamanship. Bowhead operates the M/V Andale'. classified as a 32' high speed landing craft used in "special missions" supporting Homeland Security waterway operations. The Andale' has two missions that you would support, tactical boat maneuvers and aerial delivery recovery. This is an opportunity to serve and support the training and development of a pilot's skills in tactical maneuvering and search and rescue.

Captains essential duties:

Safety of crew and vessel.

  • Ensures safety equipment is utilized and appropriate guidelines are followed for all tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials.
  • Knowledge of shipboard safety procedures and use of all firefighting and safety equipment, highly desired.
  • Participate in meetings, training, drills and safety audits as required.
  • Other Duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • USCG Merchant Marine Master's license 100 ton or greater, required. Plus TWIC card.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of experience operating twin outboard powered vessels greater than 30 feet in length required.
  • Local resident of Baldwin County preferred due to location of vessels and mission activity.
  • Military experience preferred. Coast Guard or Navy experience highly desired.
  • General PC knowledge required including; spreadsheet software, word processing software and knowledge of MS Office Suite.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
  • Individual should have stability under pressure and have the ability to withstand the stresses associated with the job's physical demands, potentially hazardous situations, and unpredictable weather.

Physical Demands: The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to: dock, port, bay, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is:

  • Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle, move, manipulate or feel objects, talk and/or hear.
  • Frequently required to stand and/or walk and routinely required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Routinely required to stand, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or squat.
  • Frequently lifts and /or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 75 pounds.
  • Occasionally lifts and/or moves 75-100 pounds with the assistance of deckhands and/or heavy lifting equipment.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: There are currently no Security Clearance requirements for this position. Due to the location of this work, US Citizenship is required. Bowhead reserves the right to change this requirement if necessitated by business needs or contractual obligations.

Employment Type: OTHER

Apply