Vacancies
Trainee Pilot Recruitment – Belfast Lough Pilotage Services Ltd

Recruiter
Belfast Lough Pilotage Services Ltd
Job posted
14 April 2026
Location
Belfast, UK
Learn More and ApplyDescription
Belfast Lough Pilotage Services (BLPS) Ltd is seeking to expand its pool of potential candidates for entry to the Belfast Pilots Co-Operative as future opportunities arise.
BLPS provides pilotage services to Belfast Harbour, the Port of Larne, and independent jetties within Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland. We undertake duties onboard a diverse range of vessel types and sizes, including project movements for the offshore industry, as well as ship repair and drydocking at the Harland & Wolff shipyards.
The ideal candidate will meet the following minimum entry criteria:
– Valid STCW Master Mariner Unlimited II/2 Certificate of Competency
– Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate
– Full UK Driving Licence (or equivalent)
– Fluent in the use of the English Language
– Right to live and work in N. Ireland
– To be permanently resident less than one hour drive from Belfast Harbour
Marine Pilot – Montrose

Recruiter
Montrose Port Authority
Job posted
07 September 2026
Location
Montrose, Scotland, UK
Learn More and ApplyDescription
Montrose Port Authority (MPA) stands as one of Scotland’s most forward-thinking trust ports, strategically positioned on the East Coast and serving as a key player in the nation’s transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure. Recognised as the largest chain and anchor port globally, MPA provides crucial support to energy and general cargo markets, with operations extending across the North Sea and beyond.
MPA operates a 5-person team in the role of Pilot/Assistant Harbour Master supporting its 24/7, 365 days a year operation. As part of this team, you will deliver safe and efficient conduct of navigation with Montrose Port harbour limits, liaise with stakeholders, plan vessel movements, as well as support the wider MPA team in day-to-day operations. A planned programme of training will be offered to allow candidates to reach competency standard.
Marine Pilot – Lowestoft

Recruiter
ABP - Lowestoft
Job posted
14 July 2026
Closes
27 July 2026
Location
Lowestoft
Contract type
Zero Hours Contract
Learn More and ApplyDescription
We are recruiting for a Pilot to join the team based at the Port of Lowestoft. This is a zero-hours contract offering flexible working arrangements to support operational demand at the Port of Lowestoft. Payment is made per pilotage act, providing an excellent opportunity for experienced marine professionals looking for flexible work within a busy and growing port environment.
Marine Pilot/Deputy Harbour Master – Inverness – UK

Recruiter
Inverness Harbour Trust
Job posted
07 September 2026
Closes
02 October 2026
Rank
Marine Pilot / Harbour Master
Location
Inverness - Scotland - UK
Contract type
Permanent
Learn More and ApplyDescription
Inverness Harbour Trust is looking for a motivated maritime professional to join our small marine operations team at the heart of the Highland Capital.
Following training and examination, the successful candidate will undertake authorised pilotage duties, support safe navigation and act as Deputy to the Harbour Master.
Trainee Pilot – Harwich

Recruiter
Harwich Haven Authority
Job posted
17 August 2026
Closes
20 September 2026
Location
Harwich, UK
Learn More and ApplyDescription
Haven Authority is recruiting a Trainee Marine Pilot to join its pilotage team, supporting safe and efficient vessel movements across one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically important harbour areas while training towards authorisation as a Marine Pilot.
Manchester Canal – Trainee Marine Pilot

Recruiter
Manchester Ship Canal Pilots
Job posted
17 September 2026
Location
Manchester, UK
Learn More and ApplyDescription
Manchester Pilots invites expressions of interest, from suitably qualified mariners seeking future opportunities to join our team of pilots, based at Eastham, Wirral.
Manchester Pilots are a co-operative of self-employed professional pilots providing pilotage services within the unique environment of the Manchester Ship Canal and the docks within. The role offers experienced mariners the opportunity to apply their ship-handling skills within a challenging and varied pilotage district.
Applicants should hold:
– STCW II/2 Master Mariner Unlimited Certificate of Competency
– Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate
– Full UK Driving Licence
– Right to work in the United Kingdom
– Fluent spoken and written English
Candidates should have a background in ship handling and previous command experience, pilotage experience or Pilotage Exemption Certificate experience would be advantageous.
Due to the operational requirements of the service, applicants must be permanently resident within one hour’s travelling time of the pilot station at Eastham.
Interested candidates should submit a current CV and covering letter to:
Training Officer
training@manchesterpilots.com
Trainee Marine Pilot – Falmouth Harbour, Cornwall

Recruiter
Falmouth Harbour
Job posted
17 July 2026
Closes
04 August 2026
Location
Falmouth UK
Learn More and ApplyDescription
Falmouth Harbour is seeking a highly motivated Master Mariner to join our respected pilotage team as a Trainee Marine Pilot. This is a unique opportunity to train in one of the world’s natural deep-water harbours, handling a variety of vessel movements including cruise ships, superyachts, offshore and defence vessels, bunkering operations and ship-to-ship transfers.
During a structured training programme, you’ll develop the local knowledge, ship-handling expertise and decision-making skills required to become an Authorised Marine Pilot. Following successful authorisation, you’ll become eligible to join the Falmouth Pilots Partnership (LLP) as a self-employed marine pilot.
We’re looking for an experienced mariner with excellent ship-handling ability, sound judgement, strong communication skills and an unwavering commitment to safety. A Master Mariner Unlimited (II/2) Certificate of Competency is essential, together with relevant command, pilotage or Pilotage Exemption Certificate experience.
During training you’ll receive a salary of £50,000 per annum (pro rata).
If you’re ready for a challenging and rewarding career in one of the UK’s finest natural harbours, we’d love to hear from you.
