Marine pilot

Level

Higher

Length

2.5 yrs

typical

Sector

Transport and logistics

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Safely navigating vessels from sea to berth or berth to sea within the ports jurisdiction.

Board vessels by pilot ladder or helicopter transfer and assume navigational direction

Advise the master on courses, speeds, and use of anchors and tugs

Communicate with VTS, port operations, and tug skippers by VHF radio

Berth and unberth vessels safely using available tugs and mooring crews

Assess weather windows and decide on safe passage timing for assigned vessels

Complete pilot reports and boarding certificates accurately after each assignment

Attend port operational meetings and contribute to safety management reviews

Detailed local knowledge including tidal curves, current patterns, and hydrography

Large vessel handling techniques including the use of tugs and mooring vessels

Bridge resource management and how to take command of a vessel effectively

Port operational procedures, VTS communication, and pilotage directions

UK pilotage legislation including the Pilotage Act 1987 and related regulations

Squat, interaction, and other hydrodynamic effects on large vessels in restricted waters

Emergency procedures for engine failure, loss of steering, and grounding

Ready to look for a place?

See live Marine pilot apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.