Marine Officer (Pilot)

We’re the UK's largest ports operator with a network of 21 ports around Britain. We handle around one quarter of the UK's seaborne trade and contribute £7.5 billion to our economy every year.

It’s a story we’re proud of but it doesn’t end there. We’re transforming our business and embracing the future.

We offer a vast range of roles spanning the UK, all rooted in a culture that welcomes diversity, fosters talent, encourages internal movement and progression, and places safety as our number one priority.

The Marine Officer (Pilot) will pilot vessels under compulsory pilotage within the ABP South Wales regional ports and River Usk Competent Harbour Authority areas (and Non Compulsory Pilotage of vessels if requested). The Pilot will also make available to the Ship’s Captain all relevant and pertinent information, based upon their comprehensive knowledge of the pilotage area.

This role provides a great work/life balance, South Wales Pilots are rostered to work patterns of 11 days on and 6 days off plus annual leave. Please note that from 1st January 2026 a new work pattern of 12 days on, 12 days off (includes AL entitlement) has been agreed.

Applicants should hold a valid seafarer’s qualification and possess relevant sea going experience. In return we offer a challenging and incredibly rewarding career with a comprehensive training programme and structured progression. This is a varied pilots role with you piloting a diverse set of vessels across 5 ports from small coasters and navy vessels up to cape size bulk carriers with everything in between over a variety of locked, tidal and river berths.

We reward our employees and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

A current valid driving license is required for this role.

Main Duties

Conduct of vessels and provide information on regulatory requirements to the Master as necessary, including applicable safety and environmental provisions

Maintain a comprehensive and up to date knowledge of all navigational matters within the pilotage area

Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the SHA / CHA Marine Safety management system and associated procedures and plans

Support vessel Masters in communicating with the ports and other vessels

Maintain regular contact with the LPS and report deficiencies in a vessel's equipment or conduct as appropriate

Maintain a high level of competency in ship handling

Perform suitable bridge team duties in relation to statutory obligations

Record and submit passage plan / pilotage vouchers / MPX Records for each Pilotage assignment

Prepare and submit incident / accident reports as appropriate

Provide appropriate assistance in the event of an emergency

Assist in the training of others as appropriate

Provide professional maritime advice to appropriate personnel on local navigational and other port issues when required

Essential Requirements

Excellent communicative and leadership skills

Working knowledge of Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC), all relevant marine, harbour, H&S and environment legislation and its relevance to pilotage operations

Ability to balance the demands of stakeholders with regards to safety and commercial awareness

Flexible approach to service delivery and working hours, including a willingness to travel as required on ABP South Wales business

Computer literacy skills

If you feel you have you have the energy and commitment to meet the challenge, then we’d love to hear from you!

Additional Information:

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Please note that ABP undertake random screening for substance abuse and operate a zero-tolerance policy. A medical will be required before starting this position also.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

As part of our recruitment process, all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please note your consent will be required and further information on this check can be found using the following link: