Trainee Marine Pilot

Permanent – Full Time - Mackay

Our vision is to be recognised as a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations.

To meet our vision, our people are at the heart of our success managing safe, productive and fair ports that connect North Queensland to the world. We do this by balancing the needs of iconic surroundings, our communities, and our stakeholders.

More than half of Queensland’s international trade, by volume, passes through our ports at Weipa, Abbot Point, Mackay, and Hay Point, which makes us one of Queensland’s largest Port Authorities. We take great care to provide safe, and competitive seaport services to efficiently facilitate imports and exports through our Queensland ports.

THE ROLE

North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) is currently seeking a Trainee Marine Pilot to join our busy Pilotage team at Hay Point.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a motivated values driven individual that is a new entrant to the pilotage industry. This role would suit a high-quality marine professional with little or no prior pilotage experience to receive best practice mentoring and training through a structured competency-based training program.

Reporting to the Manager Pilot Services, the main responsibility of this role will be conducting safe and efficient pilotage of vessels in the Port of Hay Point through utilising a high level of ship handling skills, port knowledge and general maritime experience.

To be successful in this role, you will need:





- Applicants must hold or have held previously an AMSA or MNZ Master Unlimited Certificate of Competency, Valid driver’s license and have or have the ability to obtain a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).
- Experience as a competent mariner ideally with a variety of ships with handling experience as a C/O or Master.
- Highly motivated self-starter with a strong work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills that align to NQBP’s core values.
- Experience with new technologies and adapt working methods to utilise technology safely and efficiently.
- Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate professionally to a wide range of internal and external clients, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, resolve conflict and participate equitably in positive and successful teams.
- Demonstrate self-development and commitment/drive in gaining technical skills pertaining to the marine industry.
- Experience working effectively with minimal supervision, controlling workflow and organising work tasks to meet deadlines and achieve work outcomes.

Marine Pilots are available to work flexibly within 24 hours a day, while on their designated pilotage roster (currently 7 on / 7 off).



Marine Pilot working hours are regulated by a fatigue Risk Management System. In accordance with maritime legislation, Marine Pilots need to hold a current certificate of AMSA medical fitness while undertaking duty. To be eligible for this permanent role applicants must provide proof of their working rights and be willing to relocate Mackay/surrounding areas.

JOINING NQBP

We are committed to inclusion and celebrating our diverse workforce, their individual talents and the innovation they bring to their work. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ community, women, mature age workers and people with different abilities.

Merit is paramount in our selection process, ensuring candidates are assessed against the specific needs of the role. Additionally, we recognise the importance of diversity in skills and actively consider a broad range of capabilities when making recruitment decisions.

We have a team of diverse professionals who are committed to our values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity. Our people pursue a high standard of environmental management, both of our own activities and those of commercial partners.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in this permanent role, based in Mackay, please submit an application with your current resume and a covering letter addressing the key selection criteria for the role. Applications close by 4 October 2026, at 11:59pm.

📌 Marine Pilot (Mackay)
🏢 North Queensland Bulk Ports
📍 Mackay