Diego Garcia: Harbor Pilot (Contingency)

Program Summary

KBR provides full-spectrum base operations support to Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia, a remote location in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Our robust supply chain ensures on-time delivery of mission-critical supplies, and our team conducts essential port and airfield operations in this geographically complex environment. The KBR team is over 1,000 people strong, providing not only life support services such as water treatment, electricity, and telecom/antenna maintenance, but also quality of life services like Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) and an award-winning dining facility.

Job Summary

The Harbor Pilot is responsible for the safe and efficient navigation, piloting, docking, and scheduling of all naval, civilian, and commercial vessels operating within Diego Garcia Harbor and surrounding waters. This role serves as a key liaison between military and civilian stakeholders and ensures harbor operations fully support mission-critical activities. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as an Unlimited Tonnage Harbor and Docking Pilot or Chief Harbor Pilot.

Roles and 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 all environmental conditions, including darkness, reduced visibility, strong currents, heavy rain, and gale-force winds.
• Direct and coordinate the simultaneous operation of multiple 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 using expert knowledge of local waters, including depths, tides, currents, weather patterns, and navigational hazards.
• Ensure vessel movements avoid reefs, shoals, and other hazards by utilizing navigational aids such as sector lights, channel markers, buoys, and land-based navigation aids.
• Advise ship Masters on local harbor rules, safety procedures, and lagoon customs requirements.
• Supervise naval and civilian personnel engaged in docking, berthing, and mooring of vessels, floating docks, cranes, and barges.
• Serve as the primary liaison with:
  • Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia
  • Commander Squadron Two
  • Military Sealift Command
  • Tenant and supported commands
• Coordinate all harbor movements of ships, small craft, cargo barges, fuel barges, and LCM operations to ensure uninterrupted mission support.
• Act as Docking Master, developing and executing vessel-specific mooring plans for Deep Draft Wharf and POL Fueling Pier operations.
• Determine and supervise proper placement of pier fenders, docking camels, and mooring configurations based on vessel size and requirements.

Basic Job Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Must be U.S. citizens.
• Must possess Special Background Investigation (SBI), secret clearance.
• Must be retired U.S. Navy, E-7 or above is preferred.
• Superior leadership and management skills.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.

Special Certifications or Training

• Must be properly licensed by the USCG (or other recognized regulatory body) and be Unlimited Tonnage rated or have prior Navy experience with NEC 0215 qualifications and have had an exemplary record as a Navy Pilot.
• U.S. Navy Harbor and Docking Pilot (QM-0215)
• Submit qualifications to Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for approval prior to hiring.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies (BS in Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture) or other related maritime fields, based on a four-year course of study from an accredited university or college.

Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.