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Ocean Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manage ocean and air transport of materials flowing through IRF ECC to minimize cost and support on time delivery * Pilot list brush up, to ensure materials requirements are streamlined through NA ...

IRF Pilot Specialist

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$78K - $78K/yr

Manage ocean and air transport of materials flowing through IRF ECC to minimize cost and support on time delivery * Pilot list brush up, to ensure materials requirements are streamlined through NA ...

New

Sr Staff Test Pilot

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$201K - $302K/yr

... Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas ... The Chief Test Pilot (CTP) is a key contributor to the program and sits on the program leadership ...

Sr Staff Test Pilot Jobs

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$201K - $302K/yr

Senior Staff Pilot Test At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on ... Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas ...

Mate UFIV 1600T

Abbeville, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $19.75/hr

Pilot the steamer * Tie off cork to vessel with the Cook, Chief Engineer, and the Second Engineer ... Experience as a Mate Trainee or fisherman for Ocean Harvesters for one year or as a Mate for ...

NY · On-site

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and ... This includes piloting, navigating and controlling the ROV and other deep towed equipment.

Showing results 41-60

Ocean Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do ocean pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean 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 is an ocean pilot?

Ocean pilots, also known as maritime or marine pilots, are experienced navigators who guide ships through dangerous or congested waters such as harbors, rivers, or coastal areas. They board vessels to assist the ship's captain with local navigation, ensuring safe passage by using their expert knowledge of tides, currents, local regulations, and hazards. Ocean pilots play a critical role in preventing accidents and protecting marine environments by helping vessels avoid collisions and groundings. Their work is essential for the safety of both crew and cargo, as well as the surrounding ecosystem.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an ocean pilot?

To thrive as an Ocean Pilot, you need extensive maritime knowledge, a valid maritime pilot license, and significant experience in navigation and ship handling. Familiarity with electronic navigational systems (such as ECDIS and radar), vessel traffic services, and local regulations is essential, and many regions require specialized pilotage certification. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating with ship crews and port authorities. These competencies are vital to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible passage of large vessels through complex or challenging waterways.

What challenges do ocean pilots face when guiding vessels in and out of ports?

Ocean Pilots often encounter challenges such as navigating large vessels through narrow or congested waterways, dealing with rapidly changing weather and sea conditions, and maintaining clear communication with ship crews who may come from diverse backgrounds. Each port has unique navigational hazards and regulations, requiring Pilots to stay updated and adapt quickly. Additionally, Ocean Pilots must be prepared for irregular hours and remain alert during long shifts, ensuring the safe and efficient passage of ships at all times.

What is the difference between Ocean Pilot vs Marine Navigator?

AspectOcean PilotMarine Navigator
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Pilot LicenseSTCW Basic Safety, Navigation Certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, coastal and open seaOnboard ships, primarily navigation roles
Industry UsageMaritime shipping, port pilotageMaritime shipping, vessel navigation

Ocean Pilots and Marine Navigators both require maritime certifications and work onboard ships. Ocean Pilots typically specialize in guiding ships through ports and coastal waters, while Marine Navigators focus on charting courses and ensuring safe navigation at sea. Both roles are essential in maritime operations, but Ocean Pilots often have more specialized port and coastal expertise.

More about Ocean Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Ocean Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Ocean Pilot job openings:

What states have the most Ocean Pilot jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ocean Pilot jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Ocean Pilot jobs?

For Ocean Pilot jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ocean Pilot job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency) with Security Clearance

Garcia, CO • On-site

KBR
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


KBR rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Title:
Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency) Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary KBR provides full-spectrum base operations support to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a remote location in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Our robust supply chain ensures on-time delivery of mission-critical supplies, and our team conducts essential port and airfield operations in this geographically complex environment. The KBR team is over 1,000 people strong, providing not only life support services such as water treatment, electricity, and telecom/antenna maintenance, but also quality of life services like Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and an award-winning dining facility. Job Summary The Harbor Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation, piloting, docking, and scheduling of all naval, civilian, and commercial vessels operating within Diego Garcia Harbor and surrounding waters. This role serves as a key liaison between military and civilian stakeholders and ensures harbor operations fully support mission-critical activities. Minimum of three (3) years' experience as an Unlimited Tonnage Harbor and Docking Pilot or Chief Harbor Pilot. Roles and Responsibilities * Prepare and coordinate the Daily Harbor Schedule for review and approval by the Port Operations Officer.
* Pilot U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, civilian, and foreign-flagged vessels of all classes and unlimited tonnage into and out of Diego Garcia Harbor.
* Operate in all environmental conditions, including darkness, reduced visibility, strong currents, heavy rain, and gale-force winds.
* Direct and coordinate the simultaneous operation of multiple tugboats, pusher boats, and support craft during vessel maneuvering, docking, unmooring, and anchoring.
* Consult nautical charts, maps, tide tables, weather reports, and navigation systems to determine safe vessel movements.
* Set vessel courses and speeds using expert knowledge of local waters, including depths, tides, currents, weather patterns, and navigational hazards.
* Ensure vessel movements avoid reefs, shoals, and other hazards by utilizing navigational aids such as sector lights, channel markers, buoys, and land-based navigation aids.
* Advise ship Masters on local harbor rules, safety procedures, and lagoon customs requirements.
* Supervise naval and civilian personnel engaged in docking, berthing, and mooring of vessels, floating docks, cranes, and barges.
* Serve as the primary liaison with:
* Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia
* Commander Squadron Two
* Military Sealift Command
* Tenant and supported commands
* Coordinate all harbor movements of ships, small craft, cargo barges, fuel barges, and LCM operations to ensure uninterrupted mission support.
* Act as Docking Master, developing and executing vessel-specific mooring plans for Deep Draft Wharf and POL Fueling Pier operations.
* Determine and supervise proper placement of pier fenders, docking camels, and mooring configurations based on vessel size and requirements. BASIC JOB QUALIFICATIONS: (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): * Must be U.S. citizens.
* Must possess Special Background Investigation (SBI), secret clearance.
* Must be retired U.S. Navy, E-7 or above is preferred.
* Superior leadership and management skills.
* Must hold a valid driver's license. JOB SPECIFICATIONS: SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS OR TRAINING * Must be properly licensed by the USCG (or other recognized regulatory body) and be Unlimited Tonnage rated or have prior Navy experience with NEC 0215 qualifications and have had an exemplary record as a Navy Pilot.
* U.S. Navy Harbor and Docking Pilot (QM-0215)
* Submit qualifications to Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for approval prior to hiring. EDUCATION: * Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Studies (BS in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture) or other related maritime fields, based on a four-year course of study from an accredited university or college. KBR Benefits * KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998