Trainee Pilot - ORK09897

Advert ENTERPRISE AND RESOURCES Marine Services, Transport and Harbour Master Trainee Pilot Based on a roster of 2 weeks on, 3 weeks off Permanent £59,205 - £115,414 / £30.85 - £60.14 per hour (including Distant …...

Advert

ENTERPRISE AND RESOURCES

Marine Services, Transport and Harbour Master

Trainee Pilot

Based on a roster of 2 weeks on, 3 weeks off

Permanent

£59,205 - £115,414 / £30.85 - £60.14 per hour (including Distant Islands Allowance)

(Salary dependent on qualification to class 2 and class 1 pilot)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Trainee Marine Pilot for the Orkney Pilotage Areas.

Orkney Islands Council as the Competent Harbour Authority is responsible for the provision of marine pilotage for vessels from 65 metres L.O.A. (or on request) to some of the largest cruise ships and oil ships in the world for its two pilotage areas of Kirkwall Bay and its approaches and Scapa Flow and its Oil Port.

The diversity of marine business in Orkney is considerable, ranging from oil and gas and marine renewables to the UK’s most popular cruise ship destination and the provision of lifeline ferry services to the Scottish mainland. To service this, the Harbour Authority currently has six Class 1 pilots who are required to provide a 24/7 pilotage service to a broad range of ship types with the role involving the control of, at times, four or more large harbour tugs.

The work involves significant challenges in the hours of darkness, in strong tides, high wind conditions and restricted visibility often on the fringes of the Pentland Firth. Support is provided from a 24/7 VTS service and from highly experienced pilot launch crews.

The diversity of Orkney’s maritime business provides an opportunity for a highly capable, fully qualified and exceptionally experienced master mariner with extensive command experience and with the ability to operate under significant pressure. Leadership and strong interpersonal skills in addition to formal marine qualifications are fundamental to this demanding role.

You must possess a STCW Master II/2 (Unlimited) certificate with extensive knowledge and sea going experience. You must have at least six years’ post qualification experience, at least 18 months as a STCW II/2 Master in command and have had at least 2 years foreign going experience. A thorough working and practical knowledge of the ISM code, proven bridge management skills and experience of operating under pilotage advice are essential. Previous experience as a qualified pilot and/or a thorough knowledge of the waters of the two pilotage areas would be a distinct advantage and you must be able to demonstrate a knowledge of utilising pilotage services and tugs.

The duties will include support to the Pilotage Examining Body, planning for ship entry/berthing/departure operations and navigation risk assessments.

The successful applicant will join as a trainee pilot irrespective of prior experience or qualification. Progression in two phases to Class 1, via Class 2, will be by examination and completion of mandatory pilotage runs. Each progression will take from 6 months to 12 months and pay progression to the full pilotage salary will be in two increments.

This post is subject to Level 1 Disclosure clearance.

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Douglas Manson, Deputy Harbour Master (Operations), Tel (01856) 873636 or email douglas.manson@orkney.gov.uk

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 21 December 2025

Please note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post in accordance with the Council’s Relocation Policy.

Apply now

The application for this job will open in a new window on the employer's own website.

Create an alert for jobs like this

Be the first to get notified when new jobs are added

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Similar jobs

More similar jobs