Seawork 2026 | Maritime Pilot

CAREERS & TRAINING

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MARITIME PILOT

Follow these links to find out about Ports, Harbours & Maritime Pilots or becoming a Harbour Master.

A maritime pilot is a seafarer who has detailed knowledge of a port approach or dangerous navigational area, expertise in ship manoeuvring and who uses that knowledge to ensure the safe passage of a vessel within the pilotage district.

Every port in the UK is individually responsible for deciding which ships are to be subject to compulsory pilotage. Pilots fall into several categories. These are the main groups:

· Directly employed by the port

· Self-employed and contracted to provide the pilotage service to a port

· State employees.

Image credit: Antonio Alcaraz

Qualifications and Training

Entry qualifications for maritime pilots will range from a general maritime qualification to a full Master’s certificate.

Maritime pilots are generally professional seafarers who have served on ships as senior deck officers. Most pilots serving the major ports of the world hold an IMO STCW II/2 Master’s qualification and have served as Captain or Chief Officer on a merchant ship (or the Naval equivalent).

There are exceptions to this with some pilotage authorities recruiting and training pilots from the local community. Examples of this can be found in the USA where in many ports pilotage is a family business. In the smaller ports pilots will often be recruited from those familiar with the local waters, additionally in many such ports it is not unusual for the pilot also to be the harbour master.

Training

In the UK major ports training lasts from 4 – 6 months and is practical with trainees accompanying qualified pilots on all the different classes of ships using the port. On completion of this initial training the candidate will be examined and granted an “Authorisation” or “Licence” to pilot. The new pilot will normally be restricted to small vessels and will progress to the larger ships over several years with annual assessments between grades.

Salary Brackets

There is currently a world shortage of qualified junior officers, and this will inevitably lead to a serious shortage of pilots in the next 5 years. Salaries vary enormously due to many factors: - entry qualification, size of port, pilotage area, types and size of vessels.

Colleges/Universities

If you are thinking about training in the UK there are Master’s qualifications available at many colleges around the UK

The Merchant Navy’s Careers at Sea has some useful links:

https://www.careersatsea.org/careers/

The UK Government also offers on what and where to study:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-seafarer-careers-training-provision-and-information#nautical-colleges-yacht-deck-training-providers-and-small-vessel-engineer-training-providers

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GOOD TO KNOW

Pilotage is a 24-hour operation all year round and pilots normally work on rostered shifts. Since ships arrive off ports in a random manner the workload can lead to irregular sleep patterns although most seafarers used to on board watch-keeping will have no problem adapting to this.

Intermediate apprenticeships

Intermediate apprenticeships are the entry-level apprenticeship for those looking to make a start in the world of work. Available to anyone from the age of 16, with no maximum age limit, they’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. You’ll need five GCSEs grade A*-E/ 3-9 including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or two National 4s including Maths and English (or equivalent).

Advanced apprenticeships

You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship if you have five GCSEs or National 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship or similar Level 2 qualification. They’re full-time roles, with a competitive salary and they’re a great way to develop specialist skills.

Higher apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for an alternative to attending university. You’ll need at least five GCSEs or National 5 + Highers (or equivalent) including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role. Additionally, you’ll require a minimum of two A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are great for 18–19-year-old school leavers looking to gain a degree while also starting their career journey. It’s the perfect option for those who can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change.

SEAWORK 2026 DATES & TIMES
09:30 - 17:30 Tuesday 9 June 2026
09:30 - 17:30 Wednesday 10 June 2026
09:30 - 16:00 Thursday 11 June 2026

SEAWORK 2027 DATES
Tuesday 15 June 2027
Wednesday 16 June 2027
Thursday 17 June 2027