Hamnlots

What does a Hamnlots do? – Tasks and work environment

A Hamnlots is responsible for guiding and assisting ships during entry and exit from ports as well as through narrow waterways. This involves boarding the vessel and, using local knowledge and nautical expertise, advising the crew on navigation, maneuvering, and safety. The work environment varies and can include long hours, working at inconvenient times, and exposure to weather conditions. It often requires high concentration, quick decision-making, and good communication skills, as the Hamnlots is in direct contact with both the ship's crew and port personnel. The work is safety-critical and can be conducted at a pace that varies depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Hamnlots has shown a steady upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month, which increased to 48 600 SEK in 2023. The latest data from 2024 shows that the average salary is now 50 500 SEK. The increase corresponds to about 6.1% over the three-year period, with the largest rise between 2023 and 2024. This salary development reflects increased demand for experienced pilots and the need to retain expertise in the profession, especially as generational change and increased safety requirements in shipping drive up the value of experience and specialized knowledge. The salary trend can also be linked to market demand for flexible availability and the specific working conditions for Hamnlots.

Hamnlots salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 50 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 44,900 SEK/month (men), 48,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 55,300 SEK/month (men), 54,900 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 304 SEK
• Gender differences: Salary data for women is missing; highest and lowest salaries show marginal differences
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a Hamnlots, an advanced nautical education is required, often with several years of maritime experience in leadership roles. In addition to formal education and practical training, certifications according to international and national regulations are necessary, along with good local knowledge of relevant waterways. Selection for pilot training is often competitive, and employers place great emphasis on documented experience and aptitude testing.

• Formal qualification: Maritime officer qualification (often at least 3–4 years)
Certifications: Ship officer class I or II, pilot license
• Practical experience: Several years of sea practice in leadership positions
• Prerequisites: Approved maritime captain qualification and medical tests
• Advice for applicants: Strong interest in navigation and safety is recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Hamnlots are often offered benefits such as extra vacation, health insurance, night and weekend allowances, and pension contributions according to collective agreements. Many employers also provide further training and opportunities for skills development in maritime safety and leadership.

Competition and challenges

The profession of Hamnlots is characterized by high competition for permanent positions, partly due to the limited number of pilot slots and high educational requirements. Challenges also include physically demanding work environments, shift work, and sometimes difficult weather conditions. Technological developments in navigation aids influence the profession, but the human factor and local knowledge remain crucial. Recruiting new Hamnlots can be complicated due to generational change and the need for extensive sea experience. Employers thus seek candidates with both leadership experience and a strong safety focus.

Tips for aspiring Hamnlots

To succeed as a Hamnlots, it is important to combine technical skills with strong safety awareness and teamwork. Good leadership qualities are essential, as the role requires quick decision-making and clear communication with both crew and port staff. Endurance and flexibility facilitate the work, as working days can be long and unpredictable. A genuine interest in navigation and shipping is a big advantage, since continuous further education and adaptation to new regulations and technological tools are necessary. Precision and a sense of responsibility are critical, especially in pressurized situations where safety for both ships and surroundings is at stake. Be prepared to work shifts and sometimes be available on short notice, which requires high reliability and commitment.

Key facts about Hamnlots

• Education level: Maritime officer qualification with pilot license
• Work environment: On ships and in ports, often during shifts
• Employment type: Permanent or temporary, often state or private
• Demand: Limited number of positions, high competition
• Special skills: Local knowledge, navigation, vessel maneuvering

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Hamnlots, experienced pilots can take on more advanced assignments, such as training new pilots or specializing in particularly risky waterways. Some advance to leadership positions within port authorities or the maritime administration, while others may work as consultants in maritime safety and logistics. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast for Hamnlots, as the profession is part of a broader group of ship officers and data is limited. However, there are a total of 412 job openings in the profession, indicating some demand, especially in larger ports and areas with extensive maritime traffic. Future prospects are influenced by generational change and technological developments, but the need for experienced pilot expertise is expected to remain.

Frequently asked questions about Hamnlots

• What does a Hamnlots earn?
  - The average salary for a Hamnlots is 50 500 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Hamnlots?
  - A maritime officer qualification, pilot license, and several years of sea experience in leadership roles are required.
• What does the work environment look like?
  - The work takes place onboard ships and in ports, often during shifts and sometimes in challenging weather conditions.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary data for women is missing; average salary for women is not available.
• What are the future prospects for Hamnlots?
  - No forecast is available due to limited data, but there are 412 job openings in the profession.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Accuracy, sense of responsibility, leadership, and stress resilience are central qualities.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Extra vacation, health insurance, night and weekend allowances, and pension contributions are common benefits.