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Trainee Marine Pilot - Are you an experienced maritime professional ready to develop into an authorised Marine Pilot in one of the UK’s busiest and most strategically significant harbour areas?

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.

Salary and working pattern

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.

The role operates on a 24-hour watch duty followed by 48 hours off. The wider cycle includes eight watches, followed by 17 days’ leave. The role involves unsociable hours and requires flexibility, resilience and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

About the Haven

At the heart of the Haven is the Port of Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port and a major gateway for global trade. The wider Haven encompasses the Rivers Orwell and Stour and also provides pilotage to the ports of Ipswich, Harwich International, Harwich Navyard, Mistley and Brightlingsea.

It is a varied and high-profile pilotage area, supporting commercial shipping, fishing and leisure users while safeguarding approximately 150 square miles of marine environment, including areas recognised for their outstanding natural beauty.

About the role

As a trainee marine pilot you will enjoy an industry leading training programme designed to develop your existing skills and experience into an authorised Harwich pilot.

Working across the Haven, you will help support vessel movements serving Felixstowe and the wider harbour area, gaining exposure to a varied mix of port operations, stakeholders and marine traffic.

You will develop capability in planning and preparing acts of pilotage, conducting effective Pilot–Master exchanges, working closely with Vessel Traffic Services, bridge teams and port stakeholders, interpreting tides, weather, traffic density and navigational risk, and progressing towards independent pilotage responsibility under supervision.

Training will be delivered mostly afloat with experienced Harwich pilots, supported by shore-based learning with HR Wallingford and the HHA marine team. You will gain experience across a wide range of vessels, from 90m bulk carriers, tug and tow operations and Ro-Ros through to some of the largest 400m container ships and deepest draught vessels currently visiting the UK.

What we are looking for

We are looking for self-reliant, committed and enthusiastic maritime professionals who are ready to start or further develop a career in pilotage. Ideally, you will hold a Class 1 Certificate of Competency or Royal Navy Command Certificate, although relevant maritime experience and a strong technical foundation will also be considered.

· Recent seagoing experience in a senior navigational or command role

· Strong ship handling and navigational decision-making ability

· The ability to remain calm, focused and effective under pressure

· Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships

· A strong commitment to safety, professionalism and continuous improvement

Pilotage experience is desirable but not essential.

Why Harwich Haven Authority?

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 activity , high-quality training and development, a Cycle to Work scheme, EV salary sacrifice scheme, volunteering day, long service days, milestone anniversary awards and a 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.

How to apply

Click “Apply Online” by Sunday 20 September.

· First stage interviews will be held virtually during the week commencing 26 October.

· Candidates progressing to second stage will attend a two-day assessment at HR Wallingford during the week commencing 25 January, including a simulator assessment and other evaluation activities. Travel and accommodation will be covered by Harwich Haven Authority.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.

Pay: From £70,882.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Class 1 Certificate of Competency or Royal Navy Command Certificate, although relevant maritime experience and a strong technical foundation will also be considered

Work Location: In person