Senior Marine Pilot

Smit Lamnalco is part of the Boskalis group of companies. Working at Smit Lamnalco is about providing marine support services tailored to the unique operational needs of our global customers in local markets. Our promise to our clients is to provide the best marine services possible, no matter how challenging the environment or how remote the location.

At Smit Lamnalco we are convinced that our people make the difference. With dedication, experience, and teamwork, we make a vital contribution to our clients’ success. Drawing from different backgrounds and nationalities, we are one team working towards the same goal. We offer you the opportunity to develop yourself in a challenging, dynamic, and truly international environment. Together!

You can make your mark by providing safe, efficient, and professional pilotage services for vessels calling at JCPDI Port, Saudi Aramco facilities, and the Single Point Mooring (SPM), while ensuring all operations are carried out in line with applicable regulations, Harbour Master Instructions, international best practice, and company safety standards.

Your responsibilities as a Senior Marine Pilot:

• Conduct safe and efficient pilotage operations for vessels arriving, departing, shifting, berthing, and unberthing within JCPDI Port limits, associated facilities, and assigned offshore SPM locations.
• Provide professional navigational advice to vessel Masters and bridge teams to ensure the safe movement of all vessel types within the port and its approaches.
• Assess weather, sea state, tides, currents, traffic, and navigational hazards to determine safe operating parameters and support pilotage decisions.
• Develop and communicate pilotage and berthing plans with vessel Masters, tug Masters, mooring teams, VTS, terminal representatives, and other relevant parties.
• Direct tug usage and mooring arrangements during berthing, unberthing, and vessel shifting operations.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with VTS, port authorities, terminal operators, and vessel bridge teams throughout operations.
• Ensure compliance with Harbour Master Instructions, port regulations, company procedures, and applicable national and international maritime regulations.
• Maintain accurate pilotage records, reports, and documentation in line with company requirements.
• Participate in incident investigations, safety meetings, emergency response exercises, and operational reviews, while actively supporting HSE initiatives and a strong safety culture.
• Contribute to the mentoring and development of junior pilots, as well as continuous improvement in marine safety, operational efficiency, and customer service.
• Participate in a 24/7 operational roster and remain available for pilotage duties as required by operational demands.

Your qualities 

You can make your mark as a Senior Marine Pilot if you have:

• Master Mariner Class 1 (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency, valid medical fitness certification, and completion of IMO Resolution A.960 Pilot Training or an equivalent recognised pilot training programme.
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a Marine Pilot, including harbour, tanker, offshore, and SPM pilotage operations, preferably within major commercial ports, industrial ports, or oil and gas terminals.
• Strong knowledge of ship handling, tug operations, bridge resource management, pilotage best practices, and modern navigation systems including ECDIS, radar, and pilotage equipment.
• Previous experience in the Middle East or Saudi Arabia, as well as exposure to VTS operations, port management systems, container terminal operations, and bulk cargo operations.
• Proficiency in English is essential, while knowledge of Arabic is a plus.
• Training or certification in Bridge Resource Management (BRM) and Human Factors.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, situational awareness, and risk assessment skills.

What you can expect 

• A dynamic environment: A job that allows you to collaborate with a talented team of experts from different backgrounds and contribute to making a significant impact.
• Rewarding conditions: This is a great opportunity for a talented and motivated technical professional who is keen and eager to join an International Marine company. Smit Lamnalco offers a competitive compensation & benefit package.
• Career development: We offer you plenty of opportunities to bring out the best in yourself .

Extra information 

• Full/part-time job: The position of Senior Marine Pilot is a full-time role on an 9-weeks-on, 9-weeks-off rotation.
• Next steps: Apply easily by completing the online application form. Interviews are held online or in the office. Once it’s clear we’re a good match, we’ll make you an offer – and look forward to welcoming you to the company.

We’ll be happy to answer your questions about the position of Senior Marine Pilot. Please contact Catherine Buenaagua, corporate recruiter via our careers page.

Interested? Please apply by filling in your details and by uploading your cover letter and CV on our careers site.