Role of the Pilot

Would you like to pilot some of the biggest ships in the world along one of the worlds most famous rivers?

As a Pilot with the Port of London Authority, you’ll guide vessels along 95 miles of waterway, from central London all the way out to the North Sea, navigating the turns of the iconic Thames, past famous landmarks and under historic bridges. 

Our Pilots board all types of vessels, from the biggest container ships and tankers to warships and cruise ships visiting London, using their experience and local knowledge to ensure the safe passage in, out and around the tidal Thames. They operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and, at times in challenging conditions, working to keep trade and visitors flowing on the heartbeat of London.

We need motivated, ambitious mariners to join our 100+ strong team of sea and river Pilots.

It’s a challenging role that requires rigour, determination and commitment. We’ll provide ongoing professional support as you train to acquire the skills you need to become a Port of London Authority Pilot. We put health, safety and wellbeing at the top of our priorities, along with customer service and professionalism, and we’ll expect you to do the same.

Minimum Requirements

To apply to be a Port of London Authority 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

Desirable Skills

• Experience of tug operations (berthing & unberthing)
• Experience of working aboard a variety of commercial vessels
• Knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code
• Local knowledge of the river Thames

These skills are desirable, however training will be provided for the right candidate

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

Pilot Training

When you join us as a trainee pilot, you unlock the pathway to working the biggest ships in the world!

Training and continuous professional development is fundamental to your success in the role.

We’ll help you every step of the way, but you need ambition, determination, commitment and professionalism. You’ll also need to share our vision for delivering a quality service to our customers and embracing Health, Safety and Wellbeing.

Our training is a mixture or theory, practical and simulation delivered in a variety of environments including our Headquarters in Gravesend, Kent, at sea, on the tidal Thames and at colleges around the UK.

As you embark on your new career, you’ll be given guidance, feedback and clear pathways that will assist you to reach the top level of Pilots serving the biggest ships. However, it takes time, experience and learning to progress through the classes.

Your initial training period will last for approximately 28 weeks. Explore the pathway below that will lead to you becoming a Class IV Pilot, the first level.

Training Pathways & Progression Routes

Through a combination of training, tripping, practical, theory and oral assessments you can progress from a Trainee Pilot up to Class I Unrestricted.

Application Process

We are currently accepting applications for Trainee Pilots

We have three annual intakes for Pilot recruitment: February, June and October.

Our stringent recruitment process has four stages to ensure that candidates are well-suited to a very demanding role. After each stage, we aim to update you on the progress of your application within two weeks.

1. Submit Application

Candidates must supply a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a covering letter which includes answers to the following questions:

• Are you willing to relocate?
• Do you hold a valid driving licence?
• Are you eligible to work in the UK? Find out more about eligibility.
• Do you hold a relevant work Visa / Permit?
• Do you have a STCW II/2 Unlimited Seagoing Certificate?

2. Interview & Simulator Test

Progression beyond Stage 1 means being invited to a face-to-face interview at our headquarters in Gravesend, Kent. On the day of your interview you will also be asked to complete an exercise in our state-of-the-art ship simulator. A further review of your skills and competencies will also be carried out.

3. Job Offer

Having reached this stage, we will contact you within two weeks of your successful interview and test in order to offer you a position. The offer will be subject to conditions and a start date in line with our intake dates.

4. Medical Checks & References

All job offers are subject to compulsory pre-employment medical checks and employment references. A compulsory pre-employment medical (review of ENG1) examination at our HQ is required after you have accepted our offer. A drug and alcohol test will also be arranged, and we will request the names of two referees (for references) to complete the process.

Once these final checks are complete, we’ll be in touch to confirm your Terms and Conditions of employment.