Pilot and Berthing Master

Where you fit

Gas plays a crucial role in the global energy landscape, meeting current energy demands while enabling the shift towards decarbonization and, eventually, defossilisation. As a world leader in the gas industry, Shell possesses the expertise, market presence, and customer base to drive this necessary transition. Your work at Hazira Port directly supports this mission by ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of LNG—a key enabler of cleaner energy.

In this role, you are responsible in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective marine operations at Hazira Port and LNG reception facilities. You will also act as a member of the Hazira Port Conservator Body and serve as the Harbour Master during their absence, ensuring continuity in leadership and compliance with port safety and regulatory standards. This role is essential to maintaining Shell’s commitment to operational excellence, HSSE performance, and regulatory compliance. You will be part of a high-performing marine team that supports the delivery of LNG to India’s energy market, contributing to Shell’s broader energy transition goals.

What’s the role?

As Pilot and Berthing Master, you will be responsible for pilotage, berthing, and loading master duties, supporting LNG discharge operations, tugboat services, and mooring operations in line with the Concession Agreement and Port User Agreements.

Further accountabilities are as follows:

• Provide safe and efficient pilotage for LNG vessels calling at Hazira Port.
• Ensure compliance with the Manual of Permitted Operations and navigational safety standards.
• Conduct pre-arrival and departure checks of mooring and discharge equipment.
• Supervise tugboat operations and ensure tug crews are trained and compliant.
• Execute LNG discharge operations in line with ISGOTT, SIGTTO, and OCIMF guidelines.
• Ensure vessel compatibility and positive vetting by STASCO.
• Organize third-party supervision of LNG loading/discharge.
• Maintain safe mooring operations and conduct MOB and emergency drills.
• Act as Emergency Response Coordinator and Incident Controller.
• Maintain and test Emergency Response Plans and Procedures.
• Conduct safety inspections, toolbox talks, and emergency exercises.
• Ensure compliance with Shell’s HSE-MS and national spill response plans.
• Complete all cargo documentation accurately and on time.
• Liaise with Customs and GMB to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor and report cargo quality/quantity issues.
• Inspect and maintain port service vessels, navigation aids, and mooring equipment.
• Supervise buoy maintenance and subsea inspections.
• Ensure all port and jetty equipment are operational.
• Act as Deputy Port Facility Security Officer.
• Execute Declaration of Security (DoS) and ensure ISPS compliance.
• Maintain security protocols and emergency contact lists.
• Coordinate with port authorities, mutual aid groups, and industry bodies.
• Support audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What We Need from You

• Minimum 8–10 years of marine experience, including pilotage and terminal operations,

Class Deck Certificate of Competency (Master Mariner) or equivalent with a valid certificate.

• Qualified and experienced pilot with a minimum of 2 years of experience handling large vessels in strong cross currents, monsoon weather conditions, and restricted maneuvering areas—preferably in a West Indian port. Similar experience in other ports will also be considered.
• Valid Pilot License and experience in LNG vessel operations.
• Strong knowledge of ISGOTT, SIGTTO, OCIMF, and Shell HSSE standards.
• Proven leadership in emergency response and marine safety.
• Sound marine professional with a strong understanding of LNG projects and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of LNG discharge operations, quantity and quality (Q+Q) measurements, and cargo documentation.
• Experience in establishing port operating procedures and working closely with government authorities.
• Completed simulator training for Hazira Port with excellent results.
• Hands-on experience operating with ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) tugs (minimum 4).
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and documentation abilities.
• Willingness to work in a shift-based and on-call environment, including during the Southwest monsoon season.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Shell is a global energy company where we work towards powering progress through more and cleaner energy solutions. We use advanced technologies and take an innovative approach to help build a sustainable energy future. In India Shell has its business footprint in Information Technology, Projects & Technology, Finance Operations, Emerging Energy Solutions, Downstream & Upstream spread across more than 7 main locations.

An innovative place to work

Join us and you’ll be adding your talent and imagination to a business with the ambition to shape the future – whether by investing in renewables, exploring new ways to store energy, or developing technology that helps the world to use energy more efficiently, everyone at Shell does their part.

An inclusive place to work

To power progress together, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we are nurturing an inclusive environment – one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills and reach your potential…

We are creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments, and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply, and we’ll take it from there. We are striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We consider ourselves a flexible employer and want to support you in finding the right balance. We encourage you to discuss this with us in your application.

A rewarding place to work

As an equal opportunity employer, combining our ideas through a creative, collaborative environment and global operations – we have developed and will continue to nurture a unique workplace with an impressive range of benefits to ensure that joining Shell is an inspired and rewarding career choice for everyone.