Marine Pilot

As a Master Mariner, you'll appreciate the important role pilots play in keeping maritime trade moving safely and efficiently. A career as a Marine Pilot with the Port of London Authority offers a unique opportunity to apply your experience in one of the most challenging, rewarding and respected professions in UK shipping.

Salary: £73,297 during the 6-month training period, increasing to £92,269 upon qualification as a Pilot Class IV, with a clear progression pathway offering the opportunity to earn up to £130,387 as a Pilot Class I.

So, why choose the PLA?

You'll join the UK's largest pilotage operation and benefit from an industry-leading training and development programme. With access to advanced simulator facilities, support from experienced pilots and a structured progression pathway, you'll gain the skills and experience needed to navigate one of the UK's busiest and most dynamic waterways. The PLA makes a significant investment in your professional development, supporting you to build a successful long-term pilotage career.

Benefits

We are committed to supporting our pilots both professionally and personally, offering a comprehensive benefits package that recognises the vital role they play within our operation:

• Excellent Work-Life Balance with a roster pattern of 9 days on, 6 days off, alongside 28 days' annual leave in addition to rostered time off.

• Relocation Support of up to £8,000 tax free for pilots relocating to join us, claimable upon reaching Class IV status (subject to eligibility criteria).

• In-House Simulator Training, providing regular access to high-quality training and development opportunities to support operational excellence and career progression.

• Generous Pension Scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, helping you plan for the future.

• Private Medical Insurance for additional peace of mind and access to healthcare support.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a range of wellbeing resources to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

• Discounted Gym Memberships and a Cycle to Work Scheme to support a healthy lifestyle.

• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (Tusker Cars), offering a cost-effective way to access a new vehicle, eligible upon reaching Class IV status.

• Reward and Recognition Portal, giving access to a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle discounts, as well as recognition for your achievements.

Our benefits package is designed to support wellbeing, financial security, career development and a positive work-life balance, helping our pilots succeed both professionally and personally.

As a Trust Port, we have no shareholders. Every pound we generate is reinvested into the river, its infrastructure and the communities that live and work along it, giving our work a genuine sense of purpose and long-term impact.

Key accountabilities

Some of the key accountabilities of our Pilots:

• Providing clear navigational advice and information on regulatory requirements to vessel masters

• Supporting vessel masters in their communication with personnel and other vessels

• Conduct of navigation and bridge management duties

• Recording and submitting passage plans

• Coordinating tug activity

• Upholding the reputation of the Port of London Authority in the delivery of safe operations and excellent customer service

Minimum requirements

To apply to be a Port of London Authority Trainee Pilot you must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK – Find out more about eligibility

• Hold a STCW II/2 Masters Unlimited Certificate of Competency, or have achieved this by the time of training commencement if successful (Evidence of Notice of Eligibility will be required)

• Hold an unrestricted ENG1 medical certificate (or equivalent)

• Hold a full current driving license

• Be an excellent communicator and fluent in English, in particular when using VHF

• Have good spatial awareness

• Be decisive and able to act confidently

• Be a team player with good I.T. skills

• You must live within one hour travelling time to our Gravesend headquarters

Desirable skills

• Experience of tug operations (berthing & unberthing)

• Experience of working aboard a variety of commercial vessels

• Knowledge of the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code

• Local knowledge of the river Thames

One or more of these skills would be highly desirable, however training will be provided for the right candidate.

Find out more information relating to our ‘Marine Pilot – Trainee’ role and training plan

Our interview process:

• Screening call

If your application meets our first stage screening criteria, you may be invited to an online screening call to explore your suitability for the role further.

• Interview & simulator test

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a face-to-face interview at our headquarters in Gravesend, Kent. This will include a 1-hour interview of competency-based questions and a 1-hour ship simulator assessment.

• Interview outcome

Within two weeks of your interview, you will receive an outcome. If you have been successful, it is at this point you will receive a conditional job offer and we will conduct our pre-employment checks.

If you're interested in building your pilotage career in the UK's largest port and contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the tidal Thames, we would be delighted to receive an application from you. Join the country's largest pilotage team and be part of an organisation investing in its people, its river and its future.

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.