Pilot | Transnet Vacancies

Pilot Job Opportunity at Transnet

The closing date for applications is 09 November 2026. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications reach the HR department before the advertised closing date.

Position Purpose

The Pilot is responsible for providing professional navigational advice and guidance to vessel masters to ensure the safe movement of ships within port limits. The primary objective is to prevent collisions, groundings and other maritime hazards through accurate and timely navigation advice.

Where authorised by the vessel master, the Pilot may also be required to take control of the vessel’s navigation and manoeuvring within pilotage waters.

Key responsibilities include:

• Safely manoeuvring vessels within port limits while protecting the vessel, crew and marine environment.
• Ensuring the safe and efficient docking, undocking and shifting of vessels within port limits.
• Maintaining appropriate operational contingency plans in accordance with good seamanship practices.
• Providing vessel masters with professional ship-handling expertise and local navigational knowledge.
• Ensuring safe and efficient marine operations in accordance with applicable maritime regulations.

Position Outputs

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Maintaining an appropriate job-to-Pilot ratio in relation to actual shipping activities.
• Striving to achieve zero operational delays.
• Maintaining accurate incident and accident records.
• Attending relevant operational and departmental meetings.
• Demonstrating willingness to work after normal working hours when required.
• Managing company assets and ensuring the efficient use of tugboats.
• Preparing and completing operational reports.
• Participating in monthly safety meetings.
• Implementing occupational health and safety standards (OHSAS).
• Ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Conducting and completing job observations.
• Promoting workplace safety and operational efficiency.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a qualified Pilot holding a valid Pilot Licence from any South African port.
• STCW Class 3 certification or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 12 months’ sea-going experience on foreign vessels.
• At least 12 months’ experience as a Tug Boat Master.
• Master Port Operations certification.

Competencies

Required Knowledge

The successful candidate should have knowledge and understanding of:

• Shift systems and operational scheduling.
• Applicable maritime legislation.
• Risk management and occupational health and safety.
• Quality management systems.
• Statutory and regulatory bodies.
• Business performance principles.
• Corporate governance.
• Operational and business planning.
• NOSA, ISO standards and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Marine operations and services.
• Merchant Shipping Act, MARPOL and IMDG Code.
• SAMSA port and marine operations-related legislation.

Required Skills and Attributes

Applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to tolerate ambiguity.
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace change.
• Appreciation of diversity.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Business acumen.
• Customer and service orientation.
• Ability to focus on outputs and results.
• Team-building and teamwork skills.
• Strong safety awareness and commitment.

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan and targets of the organisation or operating division.

Disclaimer

If you have not received feedback from Transnet within 90 days of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Transnet, its employees and representatives will never request payment from job seekers during the recruitment process. Any such requests are fraudulent. Please report suspicious activities to the Transnet Anti-Fraud Line on 0800 003 056 or email reportit@ethicshelpdesk.com.