Deputy Marine Operations Manager​/Pilot

Overview

THE PORT OF CROMARTY FIRTH is a Trust Port which exists to improve, safeguard and develop the Cromarty Firth as a Port for the benefit of stakeholders and is a self-financing commercial business.

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Marine Operations Manager/Pilot to join our team in Invergordon, Scotland. The role involves safely piloting vessels and structures within the Cromarty Firth Pilotage District. The successful candidate will complete training to obtain a Class 1 licence and a minimum Class 3 certificate with additional capabilities. They must reach competency in piloting cruise liners into and out of the district, provide expert advice to clients, lead, and support emergency response efforts.

The ideal candidate should have experience in a similar role, including ship handling across various vessel types, knowledge of different propulsion and manoeuvring systems, and familiarity with safety and regulatory responsibilities related to pilotage. They should also be flexible in their approach and able to adapt to the business’s demands.

• Responsible for planning the safe and expeditious berthing and departure of vessels and structures into, out of and between locations in the Firth, as required by the Pilotage Act 1987.
• Working towards Class 1 Pilot status
• Assisting with the planning of new marine projects
• Assisting with PoCF’s conservancy and environmental duties
• Responsible for passage planning of vessels in conjunction with the Master.
• Responsible for record keeping as required by the Port for the arrival, departure, shifting or piloting of vessels and conform to the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Port Marine Safety Code.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely written reporting of all incidents witnessed or any navigational or equipment defects
• Assisting with emergency operations and meeting requirements under the civil contingencies Act
• Work within the Marine Operations Department with planning, data gathering, policy review and updating procedures as required
• Work with the Finance department to ensure billing information is accurately accounted for and recorded in a timely manner
• Work as part of the on-call rota to support the marine department/pilotage service
• Maintain such records and documentation as required to ensure company policies and practices are administered and maintained
• Other duties as required from time to time to meet the needs of the business

• Minimum requirement, STCW II/2 (Masters unlimited) Certificate of Competency – applicants with STCW OOW qualification may be considered based on relevant experience.
• Excellent communication skills
• Valid ENG1 (or equivalent)
• Previous pilotage experience (desirable)
• MCA Oil Spill Contingency certification
• Proven team player, being flexible and adaptable, and having drive & ambition.
• Experience in Emergency planning – Exercise and Incident response

The successful candidate will benefit from:
Competitive salary with incremental increases aligned with pilotage capability. Company benefits include pension with LGPS (Highland Council), healthcare, life assurance, Employee Assistance Programme, holidays, on-site parking, volunteer days, training & development and non-contractual bonus.

If you are interested, please contact for more details, or submit your completed application, including a CV and Cover Letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Closing date: 19 March 2026. Early application is encouraged.