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Port Pilot Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ZIM

Marine Operations Manager

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site +1

Vessel related port activities (Pilots, Tugs, Lines, anchoring) * Cargo related activities (gangs - incl. special cargo) * Ensure effective and cost efficient port Ops within the Area * Update ...

ZIM

Marine Operations Manager

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

Vessel related port activities (Pilots, Tugs, Lines, anchoring) * Cargo related activities (gangs - incl. special cargo) * Ensure effective and cost efficient port Ops within the Area * Update ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the ... Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the ... Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of ...

American Cruise Lines

Captain

Portsmouth, VA · 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

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA

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

Captain

Norfolk, VA

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

Captain

Mount Vernon, VA · 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

Captain

Petersburg, VA

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

Captain

Norfolk, VA · 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 ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the ... Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of ...

McAllister Towing

Licensed Engineers

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the ... Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Norfolk, VA

Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

American Cruise Lines

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Our Mates are experienced mariners with firsthand piloting experience in challenging coastal and ... S. port routes in Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. * Ability to perform the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPort Pilot JobsPort Pilot Jobs in Virginia

Port Pilot information

See Virginia salary details

$49.1K

$129.8K

$199.3K

How much do port pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for port pilot in Virginia is $129,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $153,700.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Port Pilot jobs in Virginia? For Port Pilot jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Port Pilot jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Port Pilot jobs in Virginia are:
Port Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Pilot job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,793 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Marine Operations Manager

ZIM

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Main Purpose of the Role:
Planning and supervising all vessel activities within the area, subject to line proforma
Major Areas of Responsiblity:
• Issuing and updating Coastal Schedule under BU approval
• Managing all facets of coastal voyage within the region
• Coordinating all Port Ops activities within the region, in effective and cost-efficient way.
• Assessing different Ops alternatives upon deviation from Coastal Schedule.
• Coordinating Panama Canal crossings and securing appointments for vessel crossings.
Main Tasks:
  • Communicate Coastal Schedule to relevant Stakeholders
  • Address operational issues raised by local offices
  • Liaise with partner lines on joint services and slot charter
  • Coordinate operations with Managers facing stevedores to reduce dead time
  • Secure berthing windows in region according to line requirements
  • Design and distribute initial Coastal Schedule based on voyage Proforma
  • Monitor vessel's voyage execution within region
  • Communicate sailing instructions to vessel within region
  • Proactively inform all relevant parties and manage information flow regarding vessel schedule and vessel related operations at terminals
  • Instruct Local Offices to coordinate port/terminal activities:
  • Vessel related port activities (Pilots, Tugs, Lines, anchoring)
  • Cargo related activities (gangs - incl. special cargo)
  • Ensure effective and cost efficient port Ops within the Area
  • Update Coastal Schedule, following changes from exception handling, including securing new berthing windows and required resources

Requirements
• Academic education: Maritime Degree
• Maritime operational experience (Agency, Terminal Ops)
• Experience: 7-10 yrs in Shipping Industry
• Working knowledge of containerized supply chain
• High level of Excel competency

Apply