Chennai Port Authority Pilot (Class-I) Recruitment 2026

Chennai Port Authority is hiring 3 Pilot (Class-I) officers for its Marine Department in Chennai. If you hold a Master (Foreign Going) Certificate of Competency issued by the Ministry of Shipping and have at least one year of post-qualification experience as Master or Chief Officer on a foreign going ship, you can apply. Applications go through the Online Application Portal of the Ministry of Shipping. The last date to apply is 11 September 2026, and the pay scale is Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per month.

Chennai Port Authority (CPA) Pilot (Class-I) Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

Chennai Port Authority (CPA), under its General Administration Department, has released a notification to fill 3 Pilot (Class-I) posts in the Marine Department on a Direct Recruitment basis. Of the 3 vacancies, 1 is reserved for ST, 1 for SC and 1 for OBC candidates, and CPA has reserved the right to increase or decrease the number of posts advertised. Serving employees of any Major Port Authority Board who hold the required qualification and experience are also welcome to apply under Regulation 9 of the Chennai Port Trust Employees Regulations, with a relaxed age limit of up to 55 years for them.

As per Ministry of Shipping guidelines dated 19 May 2020, a person cannot be officially designated as "Pilot" without prior Central Government authorisation — until that authorisation comes through, selected candidates may be designated as "Probationary Pilot" or "Trainee Pilot".

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You must hold a Certificate of Competency as Master of Foreign Going Ship issued by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry.
• Experience: You need at least one year of post-qualification experience working as Master or Chief Officer on a foreign going ship.
• In-Service Candidates: If you already work with the Board of any Major Port Authority and hold the prescribed qualification and experience, you can also apply under Regulation 9, with a higher age limit of up to 55 years.
• Government/PSU Employees: If you currently work in a Government, Semi-Government, PSU or Autonomous Body, you must apply through proper channel and send an advance copy of your application directly to Chennai Port Authority.

Age Limit

• Upper age limit is 40 years as on 11 September 2026.
• Age Relaxation: SC and ST candidates get a 5-year relaxation, and OBC candidates get a 3-year relaxation, as per the rules for Direct Recruitment.
• In-Service Employees: Serving employees of any Major Port Authority Board can apply up to 55 years of age, as per Regulation 9 of the Chennai Port Trust Employees (Recruitment, Seniority and Promotion) Regulations.

Salary

• Selected candidates will get a salary in the scale of Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 per month (Revised Scale of Pay).
• Other allowances applicable to CPA Marine Department officers will be paid as per Chennai Port Authority rules.

Selection Process

Chennai Port Authority will select candidates in the following stages:

1. Screening of Applications: Your certificates for age, qualification, Certificate of Competency, CDC and experience will be checked against the eligibility criteria.
2. Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview. If you already work in Government, Semi-Government, PSU or an Autonomous Body, you must bring your NOC and Vigilance clearance at the time of the interview.

How to Apply

1. Go to the Online Application Portal of the Ministry of Shipping at onlinevacancyshipmin.nic.in.
2. Fill in your application in the prescribed format given in Annexure-I of the notification.
3. Attach self-attested copies of your Certificate of Competency, CDC, proof of age/date of birth, educational qualification certificates, experience certificates and caste certificate (if applicable).
4. Affix a self-attested passport-size photograph on your application.
5. If you currently work in Government/PSU/Autonomous Body service, route your application through proper channel and also send an advance copy directly to Chennai Port Authority.
6. Send your completed application to the Deputy Conservator, Marine Department, Chennai Port Authority, No.1 Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001 before the last date. For queries, contact 044-25360833 or email dc@chennaiport.gov.in.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply: 11 September 2026

• Guide and manoeuvre incoming and outgoing vessels safely through Chennai Port channels and berths
• Board ships to take charge of navigation and pilotage within port limits
• Coordinate with the harbour control room and other pilots on vessel movements and berthing schedules
• Check tides, currents and weather conditions before every piloting assignment
• Maintain accurate pilotage records and voyage/incident reports
• Follow port safety regulations and maritime rules at all times
• Respond to emergencies such as vessel groundings or marine accidents within port limits