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River Pilot Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Superior Marine Inc

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area ...

Superior Marine Inc

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area ...

Superior Marine Inc.

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

$350 - $700/day

The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. 5.1.7 The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the ...

Superior Marine Inc.

Pilot

South Point, OH · On-site

$350 - $700/day

The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions. 5.1.7 The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH · On-site

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

CRH

Boat Pilot

Belpre, OH

Ability to safely and efficiently operate a tow boat and move barges along the river. * Responsible ... Boat Pilot licensure required. If individual does not currently hold this licensure, must have the ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Marietta, OH · On-site

Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr. * Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming. * Good communication skills and team skills.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Marietta, OH

Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr. * Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming. * Good communication skills and team skills.

All JobsRiver Pilot JobsRiver Pilot Jobs in Ohio

River Pilot information

What is a river pilot?

River pilots are highly trained mariners who specialize in navigating ships and large vessels through river systems, often in areas that are challenging due to shallow waters, narrow channels, strong currents, or heavy traffic. They have extensive knowledge of local waterways, tides, weather, and regulations, and are responsible for ensuring the safe passage of vessels to and from ports. River pilots board ships to guide the captain and crew, using their expertise to avoid hazards and comply with local navigation laws.

What does a river pilot do?

A river pilot steers boats on inland waterways. As a river pilot, your duties focus on guiding a vessel up and down rivers. Some pilots drive a riverboat or tugboat, while others take over for captains on ocean-going vessels when they enter river systems. In these cases, you stay onshore and travel to each ship as it sits at the mouth of the river. Sometimes, your responsibilities involve taking a boat into a harbor that is on a river near the ocean. While piloting any ship, you are in charge of all crew members and must work to ensure their safety.

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

To thrive as a River Pilot, you need expert knowledge of river navigation, vessel handling, and local waterways, typically supported by a relevant license such as a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential. Familiarity with navigational aids, radar, GPS, and electronic chart systems is crucial for safe and efficient piloting. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help manage dynamic river conditions and coordinate with crews and authorities. These competencies are vital for ensuring the safe transit of vessels, protecting cargo, and maintaining environmental and operational safety.

What are some common challenges faced by river pilots, and how do they typically overcome them?

River pilots often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing river conditions, unpredictable weather, and navigating through congested or narrow waterways. To overcome these obstacles, they rely on their extensive local knowledge, ongoing training, and strong communication with the crew and other vessels. Staying updated on river charts, water levels, and regulations is essential, and collaboration with the harbor master and port authorities helps ensure safe passage. Adaptability and quick decision-making are key skills that help river pilots handle unexpected situations effectively.

What is the difference between River Pilot vs Marine Pilot?

AspectRiver PilotMarine Pilot
CertificationsRiver pilot licenses, maritime certificationsMarine pilot licenses, maritime certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, inland waterwaysOpen sea, coastal areas
Industry UsageNavigation of inland vessels and bargesNavigation of ships in ports and open waters
Common Search/ComparisonRiver Pilot vs Marine Pilot

River pilots and marine pilots both require maritime certifications and play crucial roles in navigation. River pilots specialize in inland waterways and rivers, guiding vessels through confined and shallow areas. Marine pilots operate in ports and open seas, assisting ships in navigating complex port entrances and coastal waters. While their certifications overlap, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly, making each role essential in different maritime contexts.

How much money does a river pilot make?

River pilots typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of vessels they guide. They often work long hours and require specialized certifications and knowledge of local waterways.
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River Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various River Pilot job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Pilot

Superior Marine Inc

South Point, OH • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Pilot for Fleet or Line Haul Operations

The job description and duties of Pilot (Pilot for Fleet or Line Haul) for vessels engaged in Line Haul service are outlined below and shall apply to all Pilots employed by Superior Marine.

Position Summary

The Pilot is directly responsible for the safety of the towing vessel. The Pilot is directly responsible for all vessel operations and must be knowledgeable of general operation of the vessel, its systems, to follow and carry out safety rules, procedures, and policies as stated in the Safety Management System applicable to the towing vessel.

The Pilot is responsible for adhering to the provisions of the Certificate of Inspection (COI), if/when issued. The Pilot is responsible for adhering to the provisions of all applicable company policies and procedures and for all regulations.

The Pilot must also make a reasonable effort to review the contents of the Safety Management System initially and when any changes are made thereafter, and comply with the Safety Management System, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

The Pilot monitors and controls expenditures for fuel, supplies, harbor service usage, and overtime. The Pilot ensures the vessel is operated safely and efficiently in all weather and river conditions.

The Pilot must meet all the requirements to maintain a current USCG Mariner License for the area they operate, Radar Observer certificates, Medical and TWIC cards. Note if any renewal dates are expired then the license is not valid to work under.

  • Original unexpired documents must be in the possession of the wheelhouse personnel when on board the vessel.
  • Any change in the status of an individual's license or radar certificate or medical card must immediately be reported to Management.
  • Copies of required documents shall be kept in the office in employee files.

The Pilot is responsible for and will be held accountable for his/her own health, safety, and cleanliness as well as the safety, cleanliness and work performance of all those crew members under him/her. He/she must be familiar with the company's policies, procedures, safety rules and regulations, and must abide by them at all times.

The Pilot is responsible for supervising all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties.

The Pilot is responsible for maintaining all safety, lifesaving and PPE equipment aboard the vessel. The Pilot shall ensure the vessel is properly equipped; the equipment is kept ready for use and is inspected and checked as prescribed in the Safety Management System.

The Pilot shall ensure that all crewmembers are properly trained in the use of the firefighting and lifesaving equipment and all crewmembers are properly trained in emergency response procedures to respond to various emergencies that may arise in the marine environment.

The Pilot must maintain company required logs, documentation and checklist as described in the Safety Management System.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule for a fleet Pilot is a rotation of days and night shifts that vary with the assigned vessel for not more than 12 hours per 24 hour period, except in an emergency.

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