A marine pilot guides vessels safely in and out of port. [Newsis]
A marine pilot guides vessels safely in and out of port. [Newsis]

There is a profession where top earners can pull in up to 500 million won ($369,000) a year — marine piloting, the specialized work of guiding ships safely in and out of port.

Thirteen candidates passed the final selection exam for marine pilot trainees this year. The average age of successful applicants was 46, with the youngest at 35 and the oldest at 55.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the 13 finalists on Tuesday. A total of 166 candidates sat the exam this year, progressing through a written test on Oct. 17 and an interview on Saturday before the final results were determined.

Marine pilots are specialists who board vessels entering and leaving commercial trade ports to guide them safely along their routes. They factor in a ship's size, the port's geography and water depth to ensure safe navigation. As of last month, 252 marine pilots were working at ports across the country.

The profession ranks among the highest-paying in the maritime sector, with average annual income ranging from 120 million to 130 million won. Earnings vary depending on the port and workload, but some pilots reportedly make as much as 500 million won a year.

The high pay comes with a high bar for entry, however. Applicants must have at least three years of experience as a captain of vessels displacing 6,000 tons or more — meaning they need substantial time at sea and in command before they can even sit the trainee selection exam.

Those who pass will be assigned to a port and complete more than 200 ship boardings over six months of practical training. They can then become fully licensed marine pilots next year after passing the marine pilot licensing exam and receiving their credentials.


bbo@heraldcorp.com