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Merchant Marine Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

$26/hr

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 ...

Bowhead

Captain

Fairhope, AL · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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Merchant Marine Pilot information

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$54.5K

$144.5K

$270K

How much do merchant marine pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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.
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Merchant Marine Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Merchant Marine Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,531 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

Marine Terminal Operator (PTL Marine/Maxum Petroleum) - Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA • On-site

Pilot Thomas Logistics
Oil and Gas Extraction • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Pilot Thomas Logisticsexternal

$27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Marine Terminal Operator (PTL Marine/Maxum Petroleum) - Seattle, WA
Since 1936, Pilot Thomas Logistics and its family of marine companies (collectively, "PTL Marine") including Economy Boat Store and Maxum Petroleum have been providing quality products and services to the maritime industry. PTL Marine is the one-stop shopping solution for all of your Marine Fuel and Lubes, Groceries, Supplies and Last-Mile Logistics needs.
Summary
Responsible for providing fuel, lubricants, and related services to Commercial Marine and other Customers at the Seattle, WA facilities.
Pay: Starting at $27.00/hr DOE
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Bring terminals online, determine status of tanks, check all valves, hoses, and nozzles; check emergency pump shut off, ensure pump pressure at dock is within acceptable limits; conduct facility security checks; keep terminal clean and organized at all times; performs hose testing and maintain mechanical equipment.
  • Stage product and/or oil for following day deliveries; ensure totes are full/replenished for the following day operations; gauge tanks and totes for inventory; count product for inventory; unload replenishment trucks (either package or bulk), pull/stage/ship LTL package, pick/stage will call orders; deliver products to local customers as required.
  • Direct vessels/trucks/barges to proper fill stations; inform customers of Company spill prevention procedures and requirements; determine flow rate and set valves; register all trucks, vessels, and barges fueled on pertinent documentation, make sure all information is complete without blanks; collect payment from customers as required and submit for appropriate tracking/reconciliation.
  • Check boom, spill pads, and absorbent boom for accessibility and condition.
  • Assist drivers, customers, and 3rd party personnel as needed; aid vessel vendor staff (e.g., captains, maintenance teams) as required.
  • Drive light to medium size trucks to transfer packaged products between company warehouses and customer facilities.

Other Functions:
  • Special projects as requested
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:
  • Minimum one year fuel dock experience.
  • Forklift operation certification.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Minimum 24 hours HAZWOPER training & TWIC Credential (or ability to obtain required certifications/card/training upon hire).
  • Merchant Mariner Credentials with Tanker-man/Person in Charge Dangerous Liquids-Barge (T/PIC DL) Endorsement a plus.
  • Must be a self-starter; ability to work alone at night and on the weekends.
  • Engage in coherent speech and possess capacity to hear loud and soft noises.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and in warehouse with open dock doors.
  • Ability to work in environment that provides exposure to loud noises, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, high and precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Education:
  • High school diploma or GED required

Working Conditions:
  • Have strong commitment to safe working practices.
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk and hear. Walk up the tanks stairs/ships gangway.
  • Frequently exposed to vibration, heat, and cold environments.
  • Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places, in outside weather conditions and exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Apply