ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Port Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Magnolia Marine Transport

River Boat Pilot

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

... Port Captain, and takes appropriate action to prevent accidentsHas the authority to determine when unsafe conditions exist and may refuse a tow or navigational area deemed unsafe or presenting undue ...

Life-Flight-Network

Rotor Wing Pilot - IFR

Port Angeles, WA · On-site

$112.24 - $132.61/hr

FTE1 - 1.0 Professional Port Angeles, WA, US 6 days ago Requisition ID: 3618 Salary Range: $112,235 ... The Rotor Wing Pilot is responsible for professionally and safely operating aircraft for LFN to ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel ... Approves new vessel pilot house employees. * Participates in on-call duty rotation. * Cultivates ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel ... Approves new vessel pilot house employees. * Participates in on-call duty rotation. * Cultivates ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel ... Approves new vessel pilot house employees. * Participates in on-call duty rotation. * Cultivates ...

Kirby-Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel ... Approves new vessel pilot house employees. * Participates in on-call duty rotation. * Cultivates ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsShip Captain 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 22, 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 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 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 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 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 entering and leaving harbors. They use local knowledge, navigational skills, and tools like radar and charts to ensure safe passage, often working closely with ship crews and port authorities. Pilots typically hold specialized certifications and are required to have extensive experience in maritime navigation.

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 and on-the-job experience are essential for certification as a port pilot.
More about Port Pilot jobs

What cities are hiring for Port Pilot jobs?

Cities with the most Port Pilot job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Port Pilot jobs?

The top employers for Port Pilot jobs are:

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Harbor Boat Pilot, Vicksburg, MS

Ergon, Inc

Vicksburg, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Ergon Inc. rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Harbor Boat Pilot

Ergon Marine & Industrial Supply, Inc., has an opening for a full time Harbor Boat Pilot at its Vicksburg location.

If you are a hard-working person who likes to help others and be proud of the physical work that you accomplish, then this might be a job that you would enjoy. EMIS services vessels and tows and this job allows you to be a part of that support of the river crews.

Ergon is a family-owned oil and gas company based in the Jackson, MS area with facilities across the US. EMIS is a subsidiary with facilities that support marine traffic up and down the Mississippi River. Our facilities are located in Vicksburg, MS, Memphis, TN, and Wood River, IL.

Ergon offers a competitive benefits package: 401(k) Matching, Health, Life, Dental, Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Tuition Assistance, and Profit Sharing

The Harbor Boat Pilot ensures the safe and efficient operation and performance of his crew, vessel and tow in a manner that complies with company policy, U. S. Coast Guard rules and regulations and federal, state, and local laws. Assist Fuel Boat Pilot in overseeing EMIS operations when upper management is not available.

Harbor Boat Pilot Responsibilities include the following:

  • Ensure that company policy, rules and regulations are followed.

  • Report violations of EMIS company policy or violations of federal, state or local laws.

  • Ensure deck crew are performing their duties.

  • Inspect all areas of vessel and tow to ensure safety, proper maintenance and a clean vessel is ready for voyage.

  • Provide customer service according to the EMIS Mission Statement.

  • Captain has the right to reject of any tow configuration or barge.

  • Ensure all crewmembers on EMIS vessels and docks are using Proper PPE.

  • Assist other operations as required by management.

  • Maintain EMIS fleets and equipment while documenting fleet check once every six hours or according to MARSEC levels.

  • Inspect all barges according to the Dry Cargo/Chemical Barge Inspection Report, notify a supervisor immediately of any damage and take appropriate measures to ensure safety.

  • Responsible for reviewing the tow orders and determining whether the boat is of sufficient horsepower.

  • Report incidents immediately to appropriate supervisor and enter in vessel logs.

  • Order supplies as needed.

  • Ensure fire extinguishers are recharged or refilled as required for each type of extinguisher.

  • Ensure fire hose with nozzle is at each fire station.

  • Ensure dewatering pumps are on board the vessel and ready for use.

  • Ensure adequate number of approved life preservers are on board.

  • Ensure adequate quantity of first aid supplies onboard the vessel.

  • Ensure crewmembers are properly trained in emergency procedures including fire drills.

  • Chip, Buff, Prime and paint vessel and equipment as needed.

  • Complete Towing Vessel Record in TowWorks each shift which includes the following:

    • Engine Room Log
    • Fuel Operations Log
    • Pre-Sail Check List

    When a Harbor Boat Pilot is assigned the task of training an upcoming pilot the current pilot is considered the "Master of the Vessel" and is responsible for and will be held accountable for the actions of the trainee in the performance of their duties.

    Captain is required to have a safety briefing with crew prior to engaging in any barge tow work, barge movement activity or fuel transfers. This briefing must be documented in the towing vessel record.

Harbor Boat Pilot Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Must have a U.S. Coast Guard license as Master of Towing Vessels/Limited Master of Towing

  • Must have sufficient time with EMIS to prove competence and leadership skills as determined by the Port Captain and Vice President, for promotion from within the company

  • Must be able to swim

  • Valid TWIC Card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential)

  • Must have a valid driver's license

We are an EEO/AAP employer.

Position: Harbor Boat Pilot


Employment offer contingent upon pre-employment drug test, background check, and MVR.

What Ergon Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply