Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency)

KBR•San Antonio, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Harbor Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation, piloting, docking, and scheduling of naval, civilian, and commercial vessels operating within Diego Garcia Harbor and surrounding waters. The role liaises with military and civilian stakeholders and supports mission-critical harbor operations. Candidates must have at least three years of experience as an Unlimited Tonnage Harbor and Docking Pilot or Chief Harbor Pilot. The position includes preparing harbor schedules; piloting vessels of all classes and unlimited tonnage; coordinating tugs and support craft; planning vessel movements using nautical and weather information; supervising docking, berthing, and mooring personnel; and serving as Docking Master for Deep Draft Wharf and POL Fueling Pier operations. The Harbor Pilot also coordinates harbor movements and develops vessel-specific mooring plans. The role requires U.S. citizenship, a Special Background Investigation and secret clearance, a valid driver’s license, and appropriate USCG or other recognized regulatory licensing, or qualifying Navy pilot experience. A bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies or a related maritime field is required. A retired U.S. Navy E-7 or above is preferred.

Requirements

At least three years of experience as an Unlimited Tonnage Harbor and Docking Pilot or Chief Harbor Pilot.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must possess a Special Background Investigation (SBI) and secret clearance.
Must hold a valid driver’s license.
Must be properly licensed by the USCG or another recognized regulatory body and be Unlimited Tonnage rated, or have prior Navy experience with NEC 0215 qualifications and an exemplary record as a Navy Pilot.
Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies (such as Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, or Naval Architecture) or another related maritime field, based on a four-year course of study at an accredited university or college.
Superior leadership and management skills.

Nice To Haves

Retired U.S. Navy, E-7 or above.

Responsibilities

Prepare and coordinate the Daily Harbor Schedule for review and approval by the Port Operations Officer.
Pilot U.S. Navy, Military Sealift Command, civilian, and foreign-flagged vessels of all classes and unlimited tonnage into and out of Diego Garcia Harbor.
Operate in darkness, reduced visibility, strong currents, heavy rain, gale-force winds, and other environmental conditions.
Direct and coordinate simultaneous operations of tugboats, pusher boats, and support craft during vessel maneuvering, docking, unmooring, and anchoring.
Consult nautical charts, maps, tide tables, weather reports, and navigation systems to determine safe vessel movements.
Set vessel courses and speeds based on local waters, depths, tides, currents, weather patterns, and navigational hazards.
Use navigational aids to keep vessel movements clear of reefs, shoals, and other hazards.
Advise ship Masters on local harbor rules, safety procedures, and lagoon customs requirements.
Supervise naval and civilian personnel engaged in docking, berthing, and mooring vessels, floating docks, cranes, and barges.
Serve as the primary liaison with Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, Commander Squadron Two, Military Sealift Command, and tenant and supported commands.
Coordinate harbor movements of ships, small craft, cargo barges, fuel barges, and LCM operations to ensure uninterrupted mission support.
Act as Docking Master and develop and execute vessel-specific mooring plans for Deep Draft Wharf and POL Fueling Pier operations.
Determine and supervise placement of pier fenders, docking camels, and mooring configurations based on vessel size and requirements.
Submit qualifications to the Contracting Officer Representative for approval before hiring.