Trainee Marine Pilot

Harwich Haven Authority; Tendring; On-site; GBP 71,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental cover

Pension scheme

Travel & accommodation support

Cycle to Work

EV salary sacrifice

Volunteer day

Long service days

Anniversary awards

Recognition platform

Job summary

Harwich Haven Authority is seeking a Trainee Marine Pilot for a full-time, on-site role based in Harwich. You will learn under experienced Marine Pilots to safely guide vessels, assist with navigation planning, monitor weather and tides, and support VTS communications.

The role includes structured training and assessments, with opportunities to become authorised as a Class 4 Pilot. A comprehensive benefits package accompanies a competitive salary as you progress through the competency program.

Qualifications

• Strong maritime knowledge and navigational understanding, ideally supported by seagoing experience or relevant marine qualifications.
• Ability to interpret charts, tides, and weather information, and apply this knowledge to vessel movement and pilotage planning.
• Clear and confident communication skills for working with ship crews, VTS, and port operations teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, risk awareness, and adherence to marine regulations and port procedures.
• Good situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure in a dynamic operational environment.
• Physical fitness and readiness to work in a hands‑on role on board vessels, including climbing pilot ladders and working in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights and weekends, in line with vessel schedules and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with vessel navigation planning and pilotage operations on board ships.
• Monitor weather and tidal conditions and support VTS communications.
• Help ensure adherence to safety regulations, procedures, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with port operations, harbour staff and ship crews to enable safe vessel movements.

Skills

Maritime knowledge

Chart interpretation

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Decision making under pressure

Situational awareness

Physical fitness

Shift work flexibility

UK work eligibility

Education

STCW certifications or progress toward them

Job description

Job Description

The Trainee Marine Pilot role is a full-time, on-site position based in Harwich. The trainee will work under the supervision of experienced Marine Pilots to learn how to safely guide commercial vessels in and out of the Haven, including approaches to Felixstowe, Harwich, Ipswich, and surrounding ports. Day-to-day tasks include assisting with vessel navigation planning, monitoring weather and tidal conditions, supporting communication with Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), and participating in pilotage operations on board ships. The role involves adhering to safety regulations, operational procedures, and environmental standards while gaining practical experience through structured training and assessments. The Trainee Marine Pilot will collaborate with port operations, harbour staff, and ship crews to help ensure efficient and safe movements of vessels within the Authority’s jurisdiction.

About Us

Harwich Haven Authority is one of the UK’s largest Trust Ports, overseeing a key gateway to the North Sea. Its jurisdiction includes the River Stour, the lower River Orwell, Harwich Harbour, and a 12-nautical-mile stretch of sea leading into the Haven, serving major commercial shipping routes. The Authority provides a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) to support safe and efficient navigation for mariners. It is responsible for conserving and protecting access channels into the harbour and delivering pilotage services to commercial vessels visiting Felixstowe, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard, Ipswich, and Mistley. Joining Harwich Haven Authority offers the opportunity to contribute to safe maritime operations in a busy and strategically important port area.

Qualifications

• Strong maritime knowledge and navigational understanding, ideally supported by seagoing experience or relevant marine qualifications.
• Ability to interpret charts, tides, and weather information, and apply this knowledge to vessel movement and pilotage planning.
• Clear and confident communication skills for working with ship crews, VTS, and port operations teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, risk awareness, and adherence to marine regulations and port procedures.
• Good situational awareness, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure in a dynamic operational environment.
• Physical fitness and readiness to work in a hands‑on role on board vessels, including climbing pilot ladders and working in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work shifts, including nights and weekends, in line with vessel schedules and operational requirements.
• Relevant maritime certifications or progress toward them (such as STCW-compliant qualifications or previous officer experience) are advantageous.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and capacity to complete Harwich Haven Authority’s training and competency program for Marine Pilots.

Working for Us

Starting salary whilst training is £70,882, increasing to £83,726 on successful authorisation to Class 4 Pilot. Senior Pilots currently earn £110,720, with opportunities for further increases when authorised as a Special Category Pilot for ships over 395m LOA or as required by the Harbour Master.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer healthcare, dental cover, a generous pension scheme of up to 15.26 %, support with travel and accommodation for assessment, high-quality training and development, a Cycle to Work scheme, EV salary sacrifice scheme, volunteering day, long service days, milestone anniversary awards and a much-loved recognition platform.

You will join a close-knit, professional team whose work supports nationally significant trade, protects the Haven and serves the communities and harbour users.

This is where work means more.