Ship Pilots

Career summary

Ship pilots are also called marine pilots. Ship pilots direct large ships through bodies of water to reduce chances of accidents in areas that are congested or dangerous. They board the ship prior to it entering the waterway. They know how different levels of water and changes in the weather affect navigating that particular waterway. They use:

• Charts
• Computerized equipment
• Maps
• Weather reports

Some pilots use tugboats to lead ships. Others steer the ships themselves or direct the workers who are at the helm. They make decisions about the speed of ships based on their weight, the current, the weather, and the tide. They monitor lighthouses, buoys, and other markers while steering ships.

Harbor pilots operate ships within harbors. Some pilots work on one vessel that stays within the harbor area. Other ship pilots work on different ships during the same day. Each ship may be from a different country, and pilots may work with crews who speak other languages.

Ship pilots help with or direct rescue situations.

Pilots maintain daily logs of operations and problems. They report illegal ship operations to the proper authorities. Because navigation technology is constantly updating, they also learn how to operate new technology systems.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Airplane Pilots
• Commercial Fishers
• Locomotive Engineers
• Ship Captains and Mates
• Ship Engineers
• Train Conductors and Yardmasters
• Transportation Inspectors

Military careers

• Quartermasters and Boat Operators
• Ship and Submarine Officers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to ship pilots.

• Signal tugboat captains to connect or disconnect ships.
• Set and direct course and speed of ships based on winds, weather, tides, and current.
• Steer ships to avoid hazards. Use information from lighthouses and buoys to help determine route.
• Steer ships into and out of berths.
• Consult maps, charts, weather reports, and navigation equipment.
• Prevent ships from engaging in any unsafe operations.
• Order workers at helm to steer ships.
• Maintain ship logs.
• Serve as vessel's docking master.
• Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange necessary information.
• Provide assistance in maritime rescues.
• Provide assistance to other vessels at coasts, harbors, and when docking or undocking.
• Report any violations of piloting laws.
• Study and learn new navigation and piloting technology.

Common work activities

Ship pilots perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Make decisions and solve problems
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Teach others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Process information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Coach others
• Document and record information
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Control machines and processes
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Analyze data or information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Use computers
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, ship pilots:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of crew members.
• Have a high level of social interaction. They interact with crew mates and passengers.
• Are greatly responsible for the work done by the people they supervise.
• Sometimes are placed in conflict situations in which others may rude or angry.
• They talk with others by telephone, e-mail, and face-to-face discussions.

Physical work conditions

• Are exposed to sound levels that are uncomfortable on a daily basis.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants.
• Wear protective or safety attire on a regular basis.
• Often must work in bright or dim lighting conditions, often dependent on the weather.
• Sometimes work indoors in the control area, and other times may be outdoors on the deck of the ship.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outdoors.
• Occasionally are exposed to whole body vibration.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform, depending on the company they work for.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous weather conditions.
• Work near others, usually within a few feet.
• At times have to use stools or ladders to reach high places.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could cause serious damage to ships.
• Must be aware of frequent changes in the weather, tides, and currents.
• Must keep pace with the speed of the ship or other equipment.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Regularly make decisions that greatly affect others, including mates and deckhands and the performance of the vessel.
• Set nearly all of their daily tasks and goals without seeking input first.
• Work in a moderately stressful environment in which daily and weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• May work in shifts, or be on-call, depending on when ships arrive.
• May work long hours and at odd times.

Physical demands

Ship pilots frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for ship pilots to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See objects in very low light.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for ship pilots to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.

Skills and abilities

Ship pilots need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Know one's location in a physical setting and recognize where other objects are located in relation to oneself.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Maritime Sciences

Other programs of study to consider

• Organizational Leadership

Training

To work as a ship pilot, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a formal training program;
• have one to five years of related work experience; and
• have a ship pilot license.

Education after high school

Training programs for ship officers are approved and monitored by the US Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security. You must be licensed by this agency to operate watercraft.

You can prepare for a ship officer license by attending the US Merchant Marine Academy or one of six state academies. Three academies are located on the East Coast, in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. The other three are located in Michigan, Texas, and California.

These academies offer a four-year training program that leads to a bachelor's degree. The training at the academies prepares you for the licensing exam. Courses cover topics such as navigation, rules of the road, and meteorology. You also study marine rules and pollution, cargo, and standing watch. After graduating, you may pursue a license as a third mate (deck officer).

Ship pilots usually complete an apprenticeship with a towing company or pilot's association.

Work experience

Ship pilots typically have several years of work experience. You can prepare for a ship pilot apprenticeship by gaining experience as a deckhand. Local unions provide training. As you gain experience and pass rating exams, you move up the ranks.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be quartermasters and boat operators. Training lasts six to 22 weeks, depending on your specialty. Another option is training as a ship and submarine officer. The length of training varies by specialty. For both occupations additional training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Geography
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require ship pilots to be licensed. They hire applicants who are licensed for the territory they operate within as well as the type of craft they drive. Usually employers do not require formal training. However, since competition is stiff, pilots with experience and training may have an edge over other applicants.

Employers look for pilots who work well under pressure. They also look for pilots who can lead and be responsible for the safety of others. Pilots must also be in good physical shape.

Pilots must have many years of experience as ship captains. They must also have detailed knowledge of the waters in the specific pilotage district.

Costs to workers

Costs include all-weather clothing and license fees. Many workers join a union and pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues.

Licensing/certification

Ship pilots in Washington must be licensed by the State. Because of possible impacts to public safety, property, and the environment, licensing requirements are stringent and complex. For details about licensing, contact:

Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners 
2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
206.515.3904

Ship pilots must also have a masters' license.

For more information about licensing, contact:

United States Coast Guard
National Maritime Center
Merchant Mariner Licensing & Documentation 
100 Forbes Drive
Martinsburg, WV 25404
888.427.5662

#2/12/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Ship Pilots 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Ship pilots are paid from a tariff on each ship which is moved in a pilotage district. How much a pilot earns depends on ship traffic. Earnings are pooled by the pilots and split among them each month.

#Rec'd email from Peggy Larson 4/2/07 at WA Board of Pilotage Commissioners; she said there is no max salary set by the State; that until 2006, the Board set a Target Net Income (TNI) of $214,665 for Puget Sound pilots plus $23,943 each for expenses. In '06, the TNI was discontinued and the Board gave pilots 24% across-the-board increase that covered salaries and expenses. I removed our statement about maximum pilots could earn being set by the state based on Peggy's mail, 4/2/07, CJ. Still saw max pay set by State statement ($213,000) in above info so deleted as doesn't appear to be true; found Feb. 11, 2009 Seattle Times article citing Pacific Merchant Shipping Assn as saying the 60 WA large vessel pilots made an average of $400,000 in 2008. 4/8/09, cj.

#See additional PSBJ article (opinion) 6/11-17/2010 in file. Lh. Tafiff info still applicable 1/30/17 cj. Another related resource found 3/13/19, cj, which discusses tariffs etc. http://leg.wa.gov/JTC/Documents/Studies/Pilotage/PilotageFinalReport_Jan2018.pdf 

Wages vary widely based on the location and the pilot's experience.

Many mariners who work full time on American ships receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance and sick leave. Some employers also offer retirement plans. 

National wage information is not available specifically for ship pilots. However, they are part of the larger group of "captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels."

Employment and outlook

Washington employment

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Pilots who work for transportation companies may work on tugs, towboats, ferries, or dredges. Pilots who work on river and lake vessels may be members of the crew. Those who work in harbors often work for the local pilot's association.

Major employers:

• Cargo and passenger transportation companies
• Towing companies
• Canal operation companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. Changes in the demand for bulk commodities, such as petroleum products, iron ore, and grains, influences the demand for water transportation workers. When demand slows, so does the need for workers.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for ship pilots. However, they are part of the larger group of "captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels."

Other resources

Board of Pilotage Commissioners 
2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121

Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific 
1711 West Nickerson Street, Suite D
Seattle, WA 98119
206.284.6001

International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots 
700 Maritime Boulevard, Suite B
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
877.667.5522
410.850.8500

Profiles in Ocean Careers 

Seafarers International Union 

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Pilots, Ship (53-5021.03) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Pilot, Ship (197.133-026) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Professional