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Ship Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Guilford, CT

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino

DEALER PT

Coarsegold, CA · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

To hire the very best team members, Chukchansi Gold understands we have to make the very best offer. In addition to our competitive wages and employee perks, Chukchansi Gold team members receive $43 ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Portland, ME

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Bucksport, ME · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Point Pleasant, WV · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Pittsburgh, PA

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Providence, RI · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Natchez, MS · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

American Cruise Lines

River Pilot

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

River Pilot American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Nav Mate Pilots to lead our U.S. - flag fleet ... Nav Mates are senior shipboard watch officers responsible for safe vessel operations, adherence to ...

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Ship Pilot information

See salary details

$72K

$185.6K

$247K

How much do ship pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship pilot in the United States is $185,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $173,500.00 and $209,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ship Pilot vs Marine Pilot?

AspectShip PilotMarine Pilot
CredentialsRequires maritime licenses, pilot certifications, and navigation experienceRequires similar maritime licenses, pilot certifications, and navigation experience
Work EnvironmentOperates in ports, harbors, and coastal watersOperates in ports, harbors, and coastal waters
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, port authorities, maritime agenciesShipping companies, port authorities, maritime agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles in port navigation and vessel guidance

Both Ship Pilots and Marine Pilots are essential for navigating ships safely through port areas. They share similar credentials, work environments, and employers, focusing on guiding vessels in confined waters. The main difference lies in terminology, with 'Ship Pilot' being the more commonly used term in North America, while 'Marine Pilot' is often used internationally. Both roles require extensive maritime experience and licensing, ensuring safe and efficient port operations.

What are some common challenges ship pilots face when navigating busy ports?

Ship pilots frequently encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, limited visibility, and heavy marine traffic in busy ports. They must make quick decisions to maneuver large vessels safely in tight spaces while coordinating with harbor authorities, tugboats, and the ship’s crew. Effective communication and situational awareness are essential to avoid accidents and ensure efficient docking or undocking procedures. Adapting to different ship types and understanding each port's unique layout are also key aspects of the role.

What are ship pilots?

Ship pilots are highly trained maritime professionals responsible for navigating ships through challenging or congested waters, such as harbors, rivers, or canals. They possess expert knowledge of local waterways, tides, currents, and regulations, allowing them to safely guide vessels to and from ports. Ship pilots board incoming or outgoing ships and work closely with the ship's captain and crew to ensure a safe passage. Their expertise helps prevent accidents and protects the environment in sensitive maritime areas.

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

To thrive as a Ship Pilot, you need extensive maritime navigation knowledge, a valid pilot's license, and significant seafaring experience. Familiarity with radar, GPS navigation systems, electronic chart display systems, and local maritime regulations is essential. Strong situational awareness, decisive communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient maneuvering of vessels in often challenging and congested waterways.

What Is a Ship Pilot?

A ship pilot is a captain responsible for the overall operation and navigation on board a large boat or ship. The types of ships that can be piloted vary widely depending on the use of the vessel. Some common examples include cargo ships, oil tankers, and passenger ships. These ships can be piloted to any port whether it is on the ocean or water ways. Your job duties include overseeing the loading of cargo and passengers, establishing the proper navigation elements such as speed and direction, and ensuring the ship is in safe working order.

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Ship Pilot jobs near you
Pilot (Part-Time)

Pilot (Part-Time)

Blue Air Training

North Las Vegas, NV • On-site

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description


Pilot will operate company owned aircraft, including: OV-10 Bronco, PC-9, IAR-823 Brasov, Bell-206 helicopter, and A-90 Raider in support of our customer. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with the customer to develop scenarios, desired learning objectives, and basing options for training;
  • Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of aircraft systems and company procedures under normal, instrument, and emergency conditions;
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of Close Air Support (CAS) and customer missions, as defined by federal publications;
  • Exercise knowledge of Foreign threat systems and government aircraft capabilities to accurately simulate various assets in accordance with customer scenarios and desired learning objectives;
  • Other administrative duties in conjunction with aviation may be required;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Must have minimum 1000 hours fighter time or 1300 hours total time (PIC/IP/SEFE in F/A/T-aircrafts) with 300 hours fighter time; wavier may be granted on case-by-case basis with 300 fighter hours minimum. May have 500 hours total fighter time and current in the Armed Forces Reserve or Guard status. Fighter time includes any Government owned F-, A-designation, as well as T-38 ADAIR, T-38 IFF, and any international exchange fighter equivalent aircraft servicing as Pilot in Command, Instructor Pilot, or Stan/Eval Flight Examiner. Must have tactical flying recency within the preceding five (5) years; can be with US Military Department, a foreign DoD equivalent, or a US DoD Contractor providing ADAIR or Close-Air-Support on another DoD contract. Recency requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis based on experience level. Must be previously qualified DoD flight lead (4-shhip for ADAIR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A-designated aircraft. Must have FAA Letter of Authorization (LOA) and current FAA Class II medical rating. Must be IFR rated and hold a commercial pilot certificate. Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) and other DoD equivalents may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided candidate has a minimum 1300 hours as a PIC under FAA commercial certificate and 300 hours PIC for an F- or A-designated aircraft, was a previous DoD Instructor WSO qualified, contractor trained flight lead (4-ship for ADIAR, 2-ship for CCAS) in F- or A-designated aircraft and approved the GPO. Must be a self-starter, able to work independently or as part of a team. Must maintain a FAA issued Commercial Single-Engine Land (CSEL) certification. Must be able to obtain/maintain a clearance level as required per contract. Must be able to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) and must not be barred from any government installation. Must a US Citizen. If COMSEC access is required, must be a have final level of clearance and must complete required briefing in accordance with AFI 33-201. COMSEC accounts will be limited to the minimum necessary and will be on a strict need-to-know basis. Must be fluent in the English language with excellent communication skills. Must be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays, if necessary. Must be able to stand, lift overhead, bend, crouch, climb a ladder, see to look, and ear the listen. Must provide own military flight helmet with MIL-standard oxygen and communication connections as well as standard civilian-style headset.