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Port Pilot Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

Captain

Tampa, FL · On-site

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

American Cruise Lines Captains are master mariners with firsthand piloting experience in ... Coordinates major engineering repairs with port engineers. * Support hotel and culinary teams in ...

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Port Pilot information

See Florida salary details

$37K

$97.8K

$150.2K

How much do port pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for port pilot in Florida is $97,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,700.00 and $115,800.00 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.

How much does a port pilot 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 local knowledge to navigate ships safely into port.

What does a port pilot do?

A port pilot is a maritime professional responsible for navigating ships through port waters, including harbors and channels. They assist with docking, undocking, and maneuvering vessels safely, often using local knowledge, navigational tools, and communication with ship crews. Pilots typically hold specialized certifications and work closely with port authorities and ship captains to ensure safe and efficient port operations.

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 qualifications do you need to be a port pilot?

To become a port pilot, candidates typically need a maritime or engineering background, extensive experience as a ship officer, and a valid license or certification issued by maritime authorities. They must also demonstrate strong navigation skills, knowledge of local waterways, and often pass physical and medical examinations. Additional training on pilotage procedures and safety protocols is usually required.

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.

What is a port pilot?

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.
What are popular job titles related to Port Pilot jobs in Florida? For Port Pilot jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Port Pilot jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Port Pilot job openings:
Infographic showing various Port Pilot job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,833 per year, or $47 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Title:                Associate, Operations        

Status:             Full-time, Exempt

Company:       Host Agency, LLC

 

Reports To:     Operations Manager

Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring. 

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise 
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Prior customer service experience, required.  Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.