Job Description

Job title: Pilotage Coordinator

Department: Chief Harbour Master’s

Reporting to: Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager

Grade: 7

Salary: Starting at £23,500.50 per annum (FTE: £47,001 per annum), rising on completion of training to £29,375.63 (full time equivalent £58,751.25) (inclusive of allowances). Plus regular overtime is available meaning earning potential is far higher.

Working Pattern:

Base: London River House, Gravesend

Closing date: Monday 30 November 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 15 December 2026

Who we are:

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The role:

The Pilotage Co-ordinator is a key role in the PLA Planning Team, responsible for liaising with stakeholders, processing voyage orders, planning movements of piloted vessels and allocating pilots. By matching suitably authorised pilots to vessels and adapting plans as operational requirements change, the team supports the Port of London Authority’s objectives of keeping river users safe and promoting trade and travel on the Thames.

This is a varied, fast-paced role at the heart of pilotage operations. Working with pilots, agents and operational stakeholders, you'll coordinate pilotage services, respond to changing priorities and help ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels on the Thames.

If you enjoy solving problems, organising complex schedules and responding to changing priorities, this role offers the opportunity to put those strengths into practice. You'll help coordinate vessel movements, adapt plans as requirements evolve and optimise the use of available pilot resources.

This is a rewarding opportunity to join one of the UK's premier ports and play an important role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of the River Thames.

Key accountabilities:

• Play a central role in coordinating pilotage services to support the safe and efficient movement of vessels on the Thames.
• Use daily reports, INSIRIS planning work engine, POLARIS database, VHF and telephone communications to match and despatch suitably authorised pilots in line with Pilotage Directions, PLA Regulations and Working Rules.
• Manage changing operational demands, allocating suitably authorised pilots and adapting plans as vessel schedules evolve.
• Work closely with pilots, agents and operational teams to keep vessel movements running smoothly.
• Maintain a dynamic pilot rosters, ensuring pilots are properly rested, overtime is controlled and resources meet round-the-clock commercial needs and the Authority’s statutory obligations.
• Communicate critical information clearly and accurately to a range of stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate cost-effective pilot transport with pilots and transport providers to meet boarding times and pilotage deadlines.
• Respond confidently to operational challenges and unexpected situations as they arise.
• Maintain accurate records and provide effective handovers to support a 24-hour operation.
• Support the development of trainee pilots and new colleagues by sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Champion safe working practices and contribute to a positive, professional working environment.

What we are looking for:

Essential:

• Quick-thinking and proactive with sound judgement and situational awareness.
• Able to turn complex information into practical plans.
• Makes well-reasoned decisions under pressure and adapts to changing priorities.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and a can-do attitude.
• Maintains accurate records and communicates openly and honestly.
• Committed to safety and knows when to seek support or escalate concerns.
• Fluent in English with strong communication skills.
• Confident using computer systems.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Builds effective working relationships and collaborates well with others.
• Curious, willing to learn and committed to delivering a safe, reliable service.

Desirable:

• Experience managing resources and competing priorities in a busy operational environment.
• Knowledge of the River Thames, its berths and operations.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources
• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

To view the job description click here

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Kelvin Arterton, Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager at kelvin.arterton@pla.co.uk during his working hours of Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 17:00pm.

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