Marine Pilot
About this role
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.
Marine Pilot – Southampton
Closing Date - 10th September 2026
Associated British Ports
Are you an experienced maritime professional ready to take on a pivotal role in one of the UK’s busiest ports? Associated British Ports is seeking a skilled Marine Pilot to join our team in Southampton, ensuring the safe and efficient pilotage of vessels within our Competent Harbour Authority Area.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safely pilot vessels from embarkation to disembarkation within the Port of Southampton CHA.
- Compile vessel passage plans in line with Harbour Authority guidelines and Directions, Southampton Byelaws, and berth guidelines.
- Maintain and develop a comprehensive and up to date knowledge of all navigational matters within the Pilotage area.
- Develop and maintain a knowledge and understanding of the Marine Safety Management Systems, emergency procedures / plans & operational procedures in use
- Participate in the training and assessment of Pilots and Trainee Pilots, including assessments and examinations.
- Prepare and submit incident, accident and other reports as required, within allocated timeframes.
- Provide professional advice to the Harbour Master on local navigational and other port marine issues.
- Act as Duty Pilot according to the duty roster.
Essential Requirements:
- High level of skill in communication, (GMDSS or VHF radio certificate)
- Relevant seagoing experience.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
- STCW II/2 Certificate of Competency – Master (Unlimited).
Desirable:
- At least 2 years’ seagoing experience in command.
- Geographical knowledge of the Port of Southampton.
- Previous pilotage experience or PEC holder.
Why Join Us? You’ll be part of a dedicated team, working in a dynamic and challenging environment where safety and professionalism are paramount. We offer ongoing training and development to support your career progression.
Ready to steer your career in a new direction?
Apply now to become a Marine Pilot at ABP Southampton and play a vital role in keeping our port moving safely and efficiently.
Want to see what it’s like to work for the UK’s largest port operator? Our virtual work experience programme gives you an inside look at trade, sustainability, safety, and careers in one of the UK’s most vital indutries- https://www.talentxp.co.uk/track/e2e029cd
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: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Company at a glance
ABP is the UK’s leading ports group. We proudly serve our customers and our communities in the pursuit of our ambitious missions which are ‘Keeping Britain Trading’ and ‘Enabling the Energy Transition’. These are underpinned by a strong commitment to safety, sustainability and our people.
Our network of 21 ports handles ~ one quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade, and ~ £157 billion of UK trade annually. Our ports include Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage, and Southampton, the nation’s number one export port, handling £40 billion of UK exports each year.
ABP is an essential partner for the Offshore Wind industry, providing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for over 50% of the sector’s activity, as well as building infrastructure in facilities like Green Port Hull, a joint investment with SGRE, the largest Offshore Wind blade manufacturer, and LEEF (Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility).
ABP is delivering on its green ambitions through decarbonising its operations, supporting customers in building more sustainable supply chains, and investing in infrastructure to realise future renewable energy generation. Since 2014, it has reduced its CO2 emissions by over 38%.
ABP’s vast freehold bank and ports are ready to support the drive towards achieving the nation’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The group’s other activities incl
ABP Property: Property division, with an unrivalled land bank spanning 21 multi-modal locations around the country, and 960 hectares of port-based development land.
ABPmer: Marine and hydrographic company, with 60 years of experience, providing specialist marine environmental research and consultancy services.
UK Dredging: Port maintenance and dredging service.
Our ports are: Ayr, Barrow, Barry, Cardiff, Fleetwood, Garston, Goole, Grimsby, Hull, Immingham, Ipswich, King's Lynn, Lowestoft, Newport, Plymouth, Port Talbot, Silloth, Southampton, Swansea, Teignmouth and Troon
Top Benefits
- Generous remuneration package
- Employer pension
- Private health insurance
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