Senior Marine Pilot

Role overview

The Senior Marine Pilot position focuses on delivering safe, efficient, and professional pilotage support for vessels operating at JCPDI Port, Saudi Aramco facilities, and the Single Point Mooring (SPM). The role requires all marine movements to be handled in accordance with relevant regulations, Harbour Master Instructions, accepted international marine practices, and company safety requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Manage pilotage activities for arriving, departing, shifting, berthing, and unberthing vessels across JCPDI Port, related facilities, and designated offshore SPM locations.
• Offer expert navigational guidance to vessel Masters and bridge teams to support the safe passage of all vessel categories within the port and its approach channels.
• Evaluate wind, sea conditions, tidal effects, currents, traffic flow, and navigation risks to decide safe operating limits and inform pilotage actions.
• Prepare and share pilotage and berth plans with Masters, tug Masters, mooring crews, VTS, terminal staff, and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
• Coordinate tug deployment and mooring arrangements for berthing, unberthing, and vessel shifting tasks.
• Keep clear and continuous communication with VTS, port authorities, terminal operators, and bridge teams throughout marine operations.
• Ensure strict adherence to Harbour Master Instructions, port rules, internal procedures, and all applicable local and international maritime regulations.
• Complete pilotage logs, operational reports, and other required records accurately and on time.
• Take part in incident reviews, safety discussions, emergency drills, and operational evaluations, while actively supporting HSE programs and a strong safety mindset.
• Help coach and develop junior pilots and contribute to improved marine safety, smoother operations, and better customer service.
• Work within a 24/7 duty roster and be available for pilotage assignments according to operational needs.

Candidate profile

• Must hold a Master Mariner Class 1 (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency, a valid medical fitness certificate, and completion of IMO Resolution A.960 pilot training or an equivalent recognized pilot training program.
• Should have at least 10 years of marine pilot experience, with exposure to harbour, tanker, offshore, and SPM pilotage operations, ideally in large commercial ports, industrial ports, or oil and gas terminals.
• Needs strong knowledge of ship handling, tug operations, bridge resource management, pilotage standards, and modern navigation tools such as ECDIS, radar, and pilotage equipment.
• Prior experience in the Middle East or Saudi Arabia is preferred, along with familiarity with VTS operations, port management systems, container terminal operations, and bulk cargo operations.
• English fluency is required; Arabic language knowledge is an added advantage.
• Training or certification in Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Human Factors is expected.
• Strong leadership, judgment, situational awareness, and risk assessment abilities are essential.

What you can expect

• A lively workplace where you collaborate with specialists from varied backgrounds and help create meaningful impact.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package for a skilled and driven technical professional joining an international marine organization.
• Strong opportunities for professional growth and personal development.

Additional information

This role follows a full-time rotational pattern of 9 weeks on duty and 9 weeks off duty.

Interviews may be conducted online or at the office. If the fit is right on both sides, an offer will be extended.

About the employer

Smit Lamnalco is part of the Boskalis group of companies. The organization provides marine support services designed around the operational needs of global clients in local markets. Its commitment is to deliver high-quality marine services regardless of challenging conditions or remote locations.

The company emphasizes teamwork, experience, and dedication, and offers the chance to work in a challenging, dynamic, and international environment where people from different nationalities collaborate toward shared goals.

Application process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their details along with a cover letter and CV through the company’s careers portal.