Harwich Haven Authority
Trainee Marine Pilot
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Job Description
The Trainee Marine Pilot role
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)
- 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.
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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.
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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
- 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.
Apply Online
Visit this link to find out more and apply online by Sunday 20 September: https://ce0596li.webitrent.com/ce0596li_selfservice/wrd/run/etrec179gf.open?WVID=9419813C9A&LANG=USA&VACANCY_ID=8976633aRl
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