How to become a Marine Pilot
Oversees the navigation of vessels through water channels and ports.
Main tasks
- Navigates vessels through harbours, sounds, straits, bays, rivers, lakes or ports
- Advises the best route for safe passage of a vessel
- Provides expert knowledge of a port or waterway, including tides, water depths, local winds, currents and marine traffic
- Communicates with other vessels to prevent collision or advise of adverse conditions
- Monitors weather conditions and water currents using various instruments, such as anemometers, barometers and thermometers
- Ensures compliance with maritime laws, regulations and safety procedures
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) (MAR20324); Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR10424); Diploma of Maritime Operations (MAR50320)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $174,980 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 11,800 are projected by 2035. (+12%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Marine Pilot?
Ways in include: Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal); Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal).
How much does a Marine Pilot earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $174,980 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Marine Pilot a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 11,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Marine Pilot?
Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal); Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal).
Will AI change the work of a Marine Pilot?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04