Primary purpose of position Reporting to the Manager Pilotage Services the primary function of a Marine Pilot is to conduct safe and efficient pilotage of vessels in the region’s ports through the direct application of a high level of ship handling skill, local port knowledge and general maritime expertise.

Regardless of previous experience, all new Marine Pilots commence at a trainee level as extensive port specific training and licenses are required to attain an unrestricted pilot licence. Upon successful completion of this training and certification, the trainee will progress to the level of Marine Pilot with unrestricted pilotage responsibilities in accordance with the enterprise agreement.

Why choose the Port | Port of Townsville

Employee Value Proposition

Annual Salary $222,745 (excluding Super)

Responsibilities Position specific responsibilities

- Obtain and maintain unrestricted pilot licenses for the regions ports.
- Conduct safe and efficient port pilotage as required by the roster.
- Perform the duties of a pilot to meet the operational demands during periods of pilot shortage as requested by the Manager Pilot subject to fatigue.
- Liaise with the Manager Pilot on pilotage issues to establish effective feedback and consultation processes within the Pilots business unit to deliver a safe, effective and efficient pilotage service.
- Undertake pilot and safety training to maintain Pilot license, Area endorsements and other relevant Pilotage skills as required by the Regulator and the Port of Townsville Limited (the Port).
- Liaise with ships' masters, operators, agents, port authorities, regulatory bodies and providers of marine safety services concerning shipping in the regions ports.
- Utilise computer technology as it relates to the effective delivery of pilotage services.
- Complete appropriate documentation and logs in a timely and approved manner.
- Provide training to other pilots and masters seeking exemption as required.
- Participate in port emergency responses and associated training as directed to assist with successful restoration of the Port back to an operating capacity in the event of an emergency.
- Contribute to the Port’s strategic plans including the Statement of Corporate Intent, Corporate Plan and Port Vision 2050.
- Ensure appropriate health and safety, environmental management, quality, and information security practices are implemented for all works to comply with the Port’s policies and relevant legislation.
- Comply with all relevant legislation, codes of practice and standards.
- Promote a Zero Harm culture and continual improvement in our Health and Safety management and performance.




- Any other duties commensurate with level and accountabilities, or as directed by leadership, or other Senior Pilots involved in training supervision.

Qualifications Essential criteria Mandatory

- Holder of, or the ability to acquire, a current and valid Queensland pilot license and area endorsements for the region
- Holder of a valid Master Class 1 Certificate, (Including Manila STCW 2010 Amendments) issued or recognized by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
- Holder of a valid AMSA certificate of medical fitness throughout the tenure as a marine pilot.
- The incumbent must be a permanent Australian resident and must be willing to reside at the designated work location.
- Current knowledge of relevant marine acts, regulations, codes, standards and guidelines of shipping industry applicable to pilotage in Australia.
- Current Queensland C class Driver’s Licence
- Strong oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills
- General computer skills in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desirable

- Previous Piloting experience and Pilot’s Licence issued within the Commonwealth.
- Experience as an exempt Master with substantial ship handling experience on different types of vessels
- Certificate from a recognised simulator or a recognised man model centre endorsing pilotage skills.

About Us About the Port The Port of Townsville Limited (the Port) has been actively shaping the future of Townsville and North Queensland for 160 years. Today, we are Australia’s largest port for zinc, lead, copper, sugar and fertiliser. Additionally, we handle more motor vehicles and containerised goods than any other port in Northern Australia. The goods that flow through our ports are grown, mined, manufactured and used to better the lives of more than 800,000 people across a vast catchment area, spanning from Hinchinbrook to the Burdekin and west to Mount Isa.

On average, more than 7.5 million tonnes of goods, worth more than $11.4 billion, cross our wharves each year. Thanks to our customers, we are one of the country’s most diverse ports, linking more than 30 different commodities to 130 ports in 44 countries.





The Townsville port is also an increasingly strategic forward mounting location in Australia’s Defence capabilities, as well as an important tourism enabler due to its modern dedicated cruise ship terminal.

Working with the Port The Port of Townsville is expanding its team of passionate and innovative professionals as we undergo a period of significant and sustainable growth.

We are currently undertaking the biggest port expansion in our history, trade volumes are expected to triple by 2050 as new projects in rare earth, critical minerals and renewable energy come to realisation and demand for Defence and cruise shipping capacity is rapidly increasing.

In the coming years we will be challenged to continue to deliver highly competitive day to day port operations, drive improvements in sustainability across all areas of the business and deliver major capital works projects that will ensure our capacity to facilitate the trade demands of the future.

We are currently looking for exceptional talent to join our team as we embark on this journey. Are you a proactive and ambitious individual with a passion for making a real impact? This is your chance to be part of a team-oriented and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and contributions will be valued.

The Port provides a supportive workplace culture that is committed to improving diversity and fostering inclusivity. With a robust focus on nurturing growth and continuous learning, you'll have the resources and guidance to excel in your role and beyond.

About The Team At the Port of Townsville, we value and celebrate the diversity of our community and recognise that it enriches our workplace. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to come forward, confident that you will be met with respect and consideration. We are committed to ensuring our working environment is safe and welcoming.

If you are an applicant who faces challenges due to cultural barriers or disabilities, please know that we are here to support you throughout the application process. We strive to create a welcoming and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates, and we encourage you to approach us if you require any assistance or accommodations.

Together, let's build a workforce that thrives on inclusivity and embraces the strengths that everyone brings to our team.

Application Process Click apply and follow the prompts

Attach your current resume and a cover letter to your application For enquiries, please contact [email protected], noting that applications must be submitted via our recruitment site - email applications will not be accepted.

📌 Marine Pilot Trainee (Queensland)
🏢 Port of Townsville
📍 Queensland