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Port Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH

... Port City Air, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual ...

Port City Air

Pilot

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

... Port City Air, and its subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual ...

V2X

The Port Captain will oversee the operation and maintenance of the U.S. Army vessels assigned to ... As Pilot he/she will know the passes, the lagoon and docks may be assigned to vessels as captain or ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company * Must be able to swim ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS

... Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company * Must be able to swim ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK · On-site

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 ...

Livestock Nutrition Center

Boat Pilot

Keota, OK · On-site

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 ...

Ergon, Inc

Big Valley Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company * Must be able to swim ... Big Valley Pilot Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Inland, NE · On-site

... port authorities, and other vessels to maintain safety, coordination, and operational clarity. D ... Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with endorsements for Western Rivers, Great Lakes, and Inland ...

Illinois Marine Towing

Vessel Pilot

Joliet, IL · On-site

... port authorities, and other vessels to maintain safety, coordination, and operational clarity. D ... Pilot of Towing Vessels, at minimum, with endorsements for Western Rivers, Great Lakes, and Inland ...

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All JobsPort Pilot Jobs

Port Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do port pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for port 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 the difference between Port Pilot vs Marine Pilot?

AspectPort PilotMarine Pilot
CredentialsLicenses, certifications in port operations and navigationSimilar licenses, often including maritime licenses and navigation certifications
Work EnvironmentPort facilities, ships, and harbor areasOpen waters, ships, and maritime environments
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companies, harbor authoritiesShipping lines, maritime agencies, port authorities

Both Port Pilots and Marine Pilots are essential for safe navigation of ships, but Port Pilots typically operate within port areas guiding ships in harbor, while Marine Pilots often work in open waters assisting ships during transit or docking. The roles overlap in credentials and industry usage, but their work environments differ significantly.

Do pilots make $400 an hour?

Port pilots typically do not earn $400 an hour; their wages vary based on location, experience, and the complexity of the port. Most port pilots earn between $100 and $300 per hour, with some high-demand areas or specialized certifications potentially increasing pay. The job often requires extensive training, licensing, and knowledge of local waterways.

What does a port pilot do?

A port pilot is a maritime professional responsible for guiding ships safely into and out of port harbors. They navigate vessels through challenging waters, often using local knowledge, charts, and communication with ship crews, and typically hold specialized certifications. Their work ensures safe docking, departure, and compliance with port regulations.

What qualifications do you need to be a harbour pilot?

Harbour pilots typically need a maritime education, extensive experience as a deck officer or ship captain, and relevant certifications such as a pilot license issued by maritime authorities. They must demonstrate strong navigation skills, knowledge of local waterways, and often pass rigorous training and assessments before being authorized to pilot ships in harbors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Port Pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Pilot, you need in-depth knowledge of maritime navigation, vessel maneuvering, and local waterways, typically gained through extensive seafaring experience and a valid Pilot’s license. Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, electronic chart displays, and communication equipment is essential for safely guiding ships. Excellent situational awareness, decisive problem-solving, and clear communication with ship crews and harbor authorities are standout soft skills. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe vessel passage, preventing accidents, and maintaining efficient port operations.

What are the main challenges Port Pilots face during vessel navigation and docking operations?

Port Pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, strong currents, and limited visibility, all of which can complicate safe navigation and docking. They must also coordinate closely with tug crews, harbor masters, and vessel captains to ensure precise maneuvers in often crowded or narrow waterways. Effective communication, quick decision-making, and adaptability are essential skills for managing these dynamic situations and ensuring the safety of both vessels and port infrastructure.

How much do port pilots get paid?

Port pilots typically earn between $150,000 and $300,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the port. They often work long hours and require specialized certifications and extensive training.

What are Port Pilots and what do they do?

Port Pilots, also known as maritime pilots or harbor pilots, are highly skilled mariners responsible for navigating ships safely in and out of ports, harbors, and through challenging waterways. They board incoming vessels and use their expert knowledge of local tides, currents, weather, and navigational hazards to guide ships to their berths or out to sea. Their role is critical for preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth and safe flow of maritime traffic.
More about Port Pilot jobs
What cities are hiring for Port Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Port Pilot job openings:
What states have the most Port Pilot jobs? States with the most job openings for Port Pilot jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Port Pilot jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Port Pilot jobs are:
Port Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Associate, Facility Port Operations

Holland America Group

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Holland America Line rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 9 rated cruise lines

Job description


Description
The Associate, Facility Port Operations supports the terminal leadership team in the daily operations of the Long Beach Cruise Terminal and Parking Garage. The role serves as a liaison between terminal management and contracted service providers, including Port Agents, stevedores, line handlers, port pilots, and other ship and facility vendors. This position helps ensure consistent delivery of Carnival's service standards for guests and crew throughout the terminal and parking garage. Additional responsibilities include coordinating office and crew mailroom receipts and distribution, supporting general building maintenance requests and contractors, scheduling ship-related deliveries with service partners, and monitoring inventory levels for both the cruise terminal and parking garage.
Essential Functions:
  • Support the terminal management team by coordinating with Port Agents on vessel call planning and regulatory/administrative requirements to maintain efficient operations. Coordinate port-of-call and turnaround schedules, operational timelines, and required documentation with Port Agents. Support compliance tracking related to contracted port partners and applicable government agency requirements. Assist with coordination and escalation of vessel arrival, entrance, and clearance matters at Long Beach, including administrative and operational follow-up.
  • Support day-to-day facility readiness for the cruise terminal and parking garage by coordinating logistics, supplies, and basic facility needs. Schedule ship-related deliveries and manage vendor access, badging, and site entry needs as applicable. Coordinate office and crew mailroom receivables and distribution, including communications with delivery partners. Monitor and maintain inventory par levels for terminal and parking garage supplies; coordinate replenishment as needed. Support building maintenance requests by coordinating contractors and tracking work order status with terminal leadership.
  • Handles shipboard Guest Services and shoreside Guest Port Services teams to support a smooth embarkation and disembarkation experience. Support guest and crew ingress/egress coordination, including luggage flow and queue management support. Monitor operational performance during embarkation and disembarkation and support service recovery actions in partnership with terminal management and shore-side teams. When necessary, assist with verification of guest and crew travel documentation in coordination with government agencies (for example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
  • Provide on-site operational coverage during vessel call windows and support cruise line affiliated brands calling at Long Beach and as needed, other ports. Provide real-time support during ship arrivals/departures, including coordination of terminal readiness checkpoints and rapid issue escalation to terminal leadership. Support operational execution for affiliated brands during turnaround and port-of-call operations, ensuring alignment with terminal operating plans. Provide supplemental coverage at other ports when requested, supporting local teams with on-site coordination and reporting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Supports daily operations of the Long Beach Cruise Terminal and Parking Garage, ensuring smooth functioning across guest, crew, and facility services.
  • Acts as a liaison between terminal management and contracted service providers, including Port Agents, stevedores, line handlers, port pilots, and other vendors.
  • Coordinates office and crew mailroom activities, building maintenance requests, ship-related deliveries, and inventory monitoring for both terminal and parking garage.
  • Handles operational challenges by coordinating with multiple service partners to resolve issues quickly and maintain service standards.
  • Manages unexpected situations such as delivery delays, maintenance emergencies, or inventory shortages, ensuring minimal disruption to terminal operations.
  • Applies judgment to prioritize tasks and escalate issues to terminal leadership when necessary.
  • Directly influences the guest and crew experience by ensuring consistent delivery of Carnival's service standards throughout the terminal and parking garage.
  • Supports operational efficiency and reliability, contributing to the overall success of vessel turnaround and port-of-call operations.
  • Enhances collaboration between internal teams and external service providers, improving operational outcomes.
  • Demonstrates leadership by coordinating activities among contracted service providers and supporting the terminal leadership team.
  • May oversee or guide temporary staff or contractors during peak operational periods.
  • Responsible for ensuring compliance with company policies and service standards, and for escalating issues to management as needed.

Qualifications:
  • Strong knowledge of vessel clearance, documentation, and cruise turn-day workflows.
  • Proven ability to coordinate day-of-operations, solve problems in real time, and maintain compliance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication; skilled at stakeholder management and escalation.
  • Proficient with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Teams); comfortable with terminal/government systems.
  • TWIC eligible; willing to work variable schedules; able to meet physical demands of port operations.
  • 3-5 years in port operations, cruise or cargo terminal operations, maritime agency, or cruise line operations.
  • Experience liaising with USCBP, USCG, port authority, pilots, stevedores, and line handlers.
  • Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Supply Chain/Logistics, Business, Hospitality, or related field.

Travel: 0-25% travel
Work Conditions: Work may require employee to work inside and/or outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.
Physical Demands: Requires regular movement throughout company facilities.
This position is classified as "in-office." Because of the nature of the role, employees are required to work five days each week onsite.
Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.
Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs.
What You Can Expect
  • Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family
  • Health Benefits
  • 401(k)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Training & Professional Development
  • Tuition & Professional Certification Reimbursement

Base Hourly Range: $21.06-$33.65. The range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. Final base salary is directly related to each candidates' qualifications and experience uniquely
#CCL
#LI-Onsite
#LI-PG1
About Us
About Us
At Carnival Cruise Line, our mission is to consistently deliver safe, fun, and memorable vacations at a great value. As the world's most popular cruise line, we offer a variety of unique experiences across our fleet, ensuring that every voyage is filled with excitement and discovery. From world-class entertainment and dining to exploring stunning destinations, we create lasting memories for our guests while maintaining a dedication to the places we visit and the lives we touch.
Join us and embark on a career that offers not only the chance to grow professionally but also the opportunity to be part of a global community that makes a difference.
In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.
Carnival Corporation and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, mental, physical or sensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law.
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

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