Marine Pilot

Role Summary

The Marine Pilot is entrusted with safeguarding vessels by leveraging expert navigational knowledge to prevent collisions, groundings, and other maritime hazards. They provide precise and prompt navigational guidance to the vessel master and, when authorized, take command of the vessel's navigation and maneuvering within designated pilotage waters.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manoeuvre vessels safely within port boundaries, prioritizing the safety of the ship, its crew, and the environment.
• Ensure the secure and effective docking, undocking, and shifting of vessels inside port limits.
• Maintain operational contingency plans consistent with best seamanship practices at all times.
• Deliver proficient ship handling and share local expertise with the master to optimize service quality.
• Strive to minimize delays by efficiently managing jobs and providing thorough incident and accident records.
• Participate in meetings, complete reports, and support monthly safety meetings.
• Manage assets and the effective deployment of tugboats.
• Implement safety standards such as OSHAS and comply with ISO 9001 and 14001 protocols.
• Conduct and complete job safety observations while fostering customer satisfaction.
• Be willing to work beyond regular hours as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Marine Pilot.
• Holder of STCW Class 3 certification or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 12 months sea-going experience on foreign vessels.
• At least 12 months experience as a tugboat master, meeting tug handling requirements to qualify for a Master in Port Operations.

Knowledge and Competencies

• Operational shift systems and scheduling methodologies.
• Relevant maritime legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Risk management and occupational health and safety principles.
• Application of quality management systems.
• Understanding of statutory bodies, business management, corporate governance, and strategic planning.
• Familiarity with NOSA, ISO standards, OHS Act, Marine Operations, Merchant Shipping Act, MARPOL, IMDG code, and SAMSA port marine regulations.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• High integrity and dedication to ethical standards.
• Ability to tolerate ambiguous situations and adapt to change.
• Valuing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Meticulous attention to detail and business acumen.
• Strong customer service focus and results-driven approach.
• Team collaboration and leadership abilities.
• Commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Additional Information

Applications aligned with the organization's Employment Equity Plan are preferred, prioritizing designated groups. Applicants are responsible for ensuring HR receives their applications before the closing date of July 17, 2026. Candidates not contacted within 90 days should consider their application unsuccessful. Transnet prohibits any fees from job seekers and encourages reporting of fraudulent activity via dedicated channels.

Location: Saldanha, Western Cape, South Africa
Reporting to: Deputy Harbour Master
Employee Group: Permanent
Department: SLJ, Pilotage