About the business
The Port of Darwin is the nation's 'northern gateway' for Australasian trade. We have commercial wharf facilities at East Arm and the cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf.
Darwin Port provides world class pilotage and harbour control systems and a seamless supply chain capable of handling containers, bulk liquids, bulk materials, live exports and heavy lift oversized cargoes. With expansion plans and a commitment to continuing investments in infrastructure, Darwin Port is ready to service Australia's future needs and capitalise on the development of Northern Australia and emerging markets.
About the role
With continued growth in vessel traffic through Darwin Port, Darwin Port Pilotage is proactively expanding its pilotage capability to meet future demand. As part of our long-term workforce strategy, we are seeking to employ two Marine Pilots from AMSA Master Unlimited Certificate holders interested in joining our high performing pilotage team.
Whether you're an experienced Marine Pilot looking for a port change, or a seafarer ready to transition into a Marine Pilot Trainee role, we want to hear from you.
Successful candidates will undertake a structured training program aligned to the NT Government's Pilotage Standard – Port of Darwin.
***This is not a FIFO or DIDO position; successful applicants will be required to maintain residency in the Darwin area. ***
Skills and experience
It is essential that you hold;
* A valid and current AMSA Masters unlimited Certificate of Competency, and/or
* A Pilot's licence issued by another Australian Port Pilotage Authority.
* A current NT drivers' licence (or equivalent)
* A current AMSA medical
* Sound understanding of international/Australian maritime, marine safety and navigation regulations/acts
* Extensive knowledge, understanding and application of best practice work health and safety and environmental practices in a similar Port environment.
* Have demonstrated knowledge, interest & awareness of the city of Darwin including its geography, climate, environment and culture.
* You must be an Australian resident or have full current rights to work in Australia
Desirable
* Recent seagoing experience as Chief Officer (minimum) or recent experience providing pilotage services in a major Port.
You will also have;
* A high level of proficiency in English and nautical terminology, and the ability to communicate effectively with maritime officers from diverse cultures.
* The ability to communicate professionally, tactfully and effectively at all levels with internal and external stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for Darwin Port and liaison for visitors when required.
* High level interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships to achieve positive outcomes with all stakeholders.
* You must be professional, honest, reliable and be able work both as part of a team and independently.
* Be prepared to work a complex and demanding shift roster including night and weekend work.
Our recruitment process is rigorous and designed to identify candidates with the right technical skills, decision-making capability, and aptitude for pilotage. It includes:
* Interviews with our recruitment panel
* Psychometric assessments
* Simulator assessments - must be available to attend on 29th or 30th January 2026 if shortlisted
* Human Factor assessments
* Medical assessments
If this opportunity is of interest to you —whether now or in the next few years—please submit your application along with your preferred commencement date.
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis as part of our strategic talent planning.
Due to the many applicants, only short-listed applicants will be contacted who meet the mandatory requisites.
**Applicants that do not hold Australian work rights, need not apply**.
All applicants must hold or be eligible to obtain a Maritime Security Identity Card (MSIC) and will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical assessment and will be subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Company policy.
What we offer
* Competitive Base Salary
* 6 weeks annual leave per annum (accrued pro rata)
* Permanent full-time position
This position is located between East Arm & Fort Hill Wharves, the successful applicant will need their own transport to get to work, there is no Public Transport (buses) or bicycle access to Darwin Port. You will be paid an annual allowance for using your own vehicle.
You are expected to carry out your position in alignment with the Darwin Port values of Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Honesty and Safety.
Interested?
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your application with your current CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Review the full position description on our Careers page at
For further information on this position please email
Applications close 10th December 2025.
NB: We reserve the right to commence the recruitment process prior to the closing date on the advertisement if we receive suitable candidates. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Recruitment agencies should note that unsolicited resumes will not be accepted for this position, and we will not accept or pay fees related to applications that are submitted direct to hiring managers and not via our approved recruitment process.