Expat Marine Pilot

About the Role

The Marine Pilot operates vessels on a rotating shift schedule, holding a valid pilot licence and adhering to company Standard Operating Procedures. Responsibilities include conducting pilotage, berthing and un‑berthing maneuvers in line with client requirements and local regulations, and providing expert guidance to the Ship’s Master and bridge team throughout the operation until the vessel is safely secured or on a clear outbound course. The pilot efficiently utilizes harbour tugs, mooring boats and other support craft as directed, while maintaining continuous communication with the Vessel Traffic Service and coordinating dispatch of pilots and auxiliary vessels. Acting as the Harbour Master’s representative, the pilot liaises between the ship’s crew, clients and port authorities, and may inspect vessels for health‑ and safety compliance before commencing pilotage. In emergencies, the pilot initiates agreed procedures, directs all available craft, and promptly informs the Harbour Master, remaining on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This role also includes visiting berthed ships during adverse weather and collaborating with the port authority to ensure safety. The pilot enforces local port, customs and health regulations, monitors berth suitability—such as depth, clearances and obstructions—and reports any deficiencies to the Harbour Master. All activities are performed in accordance with the company’s HSSEQ policies, with any anomalies documented and reported. Administrative duties involve maintaining the International Standard of Pilot Organization (ISPO) certification, preparing and filing required electronic and hard‑copy documents, and ensuring procedures meet ISPO and STCW requirements. The pilot also conducts operational risk assessments, oversees qualification validity, provides safety familiarisation for new pilots, and participates in incident investigations and continuous improvement of the safety and quality management system. • Conduct pilotage, berthing and un‑berthing operations on rotating shifts. • Advise and guide the Ship’s Master and bridge team during all pilotage phases. • Deploy and coordinate harbour tugs, mooring boats, and pilot boats as needed. • Communicate with Vessel Traffic Service and manage radio channels for vessel dispatch. • Inspect vessels for health‑ and safety compliance before pilotage. • Report vessel deficiencies to the Harbour Master immediately. • Represent the Harbour Master to safeguard company interests during vessel interactions. • Initiate and manage emergency procedures, directing all available crafts. • Remain on call 24/7 for emergency response. • Ensure berth safety concerning depth, clearance and obstructions. • Enforce local port, customs and health regulations in consultation with authorities. • Maintain ISPO certification documentation and prepare audit‑ready records. • Align operational procedures with ISPO and STCW qualification standards. • Conduct operational risk assessments and update the generic risk assessment annually. • Provide safety familiarisation and training for newly assigned pilots. • Lead incident and near‑miss investigations and disseminate lessons learned.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸pilotage
• ▸tug coordination
• ▸vts communication
• ▸safety inspection
• ▸emergency response
• ▸ispo documentation

Work Environment

Field