VTS lots

What does a VTS pilot do? – Tasks and work environment

A VTS pilot works with monitoring and directing maritime traffic within specific areas, often through ship traffic control centers. Tasks include providing navigation advice, coordinating vessel movements, managing communication between ships and ports, and monitoring safety at sea. The work mainly takes place in control room environments with advanced technical systems, requiring quick decisions and keen attention to prevent accidents and optimize flow in ports and fairways. VTS pilots often work shifts, which means working evenings, nights, and weekends.

Salary development over time

The VTS pilot profession has experienced stable and positive salary growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,600 SEK per month. In 2023, the average salary increased to 48 600 SEK, corresponding to approximately 2.1% growth. In 2024, the average salary was 50 500 SEK, representing a further increase of about 3.9% compared to the previous year. This positive trend is partly explained by increased demand for qualified maritime traffic management and a general appreciation of safety-related roles within the maritime sector. Salary increases are above the general average for the transport sector, indicating a continued strong job market for VTS pilots.

VTS pilot salary – comprehensive 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 limited, but both highest and lowest salaries are available for both genders
• Regional differences: Specific data is not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a VTS pilot, a post-secondary maritime education, often at university level, is usually required, along with several years of experience in the maritime industry. Formal certifications and specific courses in maritime traffic management are necessary, and many employers also require approved health examinations and high safety awareness. Internships or trainee positions within maritime traffic management are common to gain practical experience.

• Formal education: Navigation officer program or equivalent (3 years or more)
• Certifications: Approved VTS certification and relevant safety courses
• Practical experience: Several years of service in maritime roles, often as a captain
• Prerequisites: High school diploma and maritime-related background
• Tips for entry: Internships in maritime traffic management are recommended to gain insight into the profession

Common benefits and compensations

VTS pilots are often offered benefits such as overtime pay for unsociable hours, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Pension schemes and insurances are usually included, and some employers also provide subsidized meals or staff cafeterias. Due to the safety-sensitive nature of the work, regular health checks and training may be part of the employment package.

Challenges and competition

The job market for VTS pilots is relatively small and specialized, which means competition for positions can be tough during recruitment. Since the role requires both formal education and significant professional experience, there's a natural barrier for new candidates. Challenges also include keeping up-to-date with technical systems and regulations, as well as managing the responsibility of leading and coordinating maritime traffic. The lack of clear future forecasts makes it difficult to predict long-term demand, although the current number of job openings is relatively high.

Tips for aspiring VTS pilots

To succeed as a VTS pilot, it is beneficial to combine a strong safety mindset with good communication skills and technical curiosity. Gaining experience in maritime operations early, such as through internships or summer jobs on ships, provides a solid foundation. Precision and the ability to stay calm under pressure are important traits, especially since the job often involves quick decision-making and responsibility for many people's safety. Continuously updating knowledge of technical aids and regulations in maritime traffic management makes it easier to adapt to industry changes. A structured work approach and analytical skills help handle complex traffic flows and unforeseen incidents. Finally, being service-minded and able to collaborate with colleagues and external actors is an advantage, as the profession relies on effective communication and teamwork.

Key facts about VTS pilots

• Education level: Post-secondary education, often navigation officer program (3 years or more)
• Work environment: Control room with shift work and high-tech systems
• Typical employment: Privately employed worker
• Number of job openings: 412 (May 2024)
• Gender distribution: Salary data mainly for men, limited statistics for women

Career paths and future prospects

After gaining several years of experience, a VTS pilot can advance to senior roles such as trainer, instructor, or supervisor within maritime traffic management. There are also opportunities to move into specialist roles in safety and risk management or work on developing new technical systems for maritime traffic. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is currently insufficient data for precise future outlooks, but the large number of job openings suggests continued demand. Digitalization and increased safety requirements may create new career paths for those with technical interests and a desire to develop further within the field.

Frequently asked questions about VTS pilots

• What does a VTS pilot earn?
  - A VTS pilot has an average salary of 50 500 SEK per month. The highest salary is 55,300 SEK and the lowest is 44,900 SEK, depending on experience and education.
• What education is required to become a VTS pilot?
  - Usually, a post-secondary maritime education such as navigation officer program, along with certification in VTS and several years of practical experience, are required.
• What is the job market like for VTS pilots?
  - Currently, there are 412 job openings within the maritime officer profession, indicating good employment opportunities.
• Do VTS pilots work shifts?
  - Yes, the work often involves shift work, including evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Are there career opportunities for VTS pilots?
  - Yes, experienced VTS pilots can advance to roles such as trainers, supervisors, or specialists within maritime traffic management and safety.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Safety awareness, stress resilience, good communication, and technical understanding are key qualities.
• How large is the salary difference between men and women?
  - Salary data for women is limited, but available statistics show that the highest salary for women is 54,900 SEK and the lowest is 48,700 SEK.