Assistant Pilotage Support Officer

Job Description

Job title: Assistant Pilotage Support Officer
Department: Chief Harbour Master
Reporting to: Pilotage Support Officer
Grade: 8
Salary: £43,052 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent (35 Hours/ Week)
Base: London River House, Gravesend, DA12 2BG.
Closing date: 13th September
Interview date: 25th September

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Who we are:

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames, overseeing 95 miles of the river from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. Our mission is to ensure the safety of river users, protect and enhance the environment, and promote the Thames as a vital artery for trade and travel. The Pilotage Department plays a critical role in this mission, ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of a wide range of commercial and leisure vessels through the river’s complex and busy waters. By providing expert pilotage services, we help to maintain the smooth flow of traffic and safeguard the river’s dynamic operations.

The role:

The Assistant Pilotage Support Officer role involves providing crucial support to the Pilotage Department within the Port of London Authority (PLA). The role involves supporting Pilot Management and Pilotage Support Officers within the Pilotage Department, which is part of the Chief Harbour Master’s team. Responsibilities include testing and maintaining safety, survival, IT, and communication equipment for pilots. You will manage records for marine survival gear, pilot uniforms, and trainee pilot activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance. The role also involves providing support for pilot training, examinations, and PPE management. You will work closely with Procurement to find cost-effective solutions within budget constraints and maintain associated documentation using IT applications like SharePoint and OneDrive to streamline departmental processes. The Pilotage Department operates 24/7, 365 days a year, supporting the extended estuarial commercial port, where timely service is critical to avoid significant financial and reputational impacts.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Oversee the management of Pilot Protective Equipment and Pilot uniform.
• Responsible for identifying all non-automated Pilot charges to invoice and respond to queries relating to Pilotage charges.
• The management and implementation of New Trainee Pilot Training programme including planning and administration.
• Lead on all aspects of the Pilot Ladder Training Facility operation at Denton, for the Pilot Support Officers qualifications, Pilots, and non-pilots.
• Organise all Pilot and PEC Examinations to achieve efficient progression and use of Examining pilots.
• Plan and monitor new Trainee Pilot training syllabus, records, and associated administration.
• Regularly Act as Pilot Simulator Operator to support delivery of training to Pilots, Trainees and PEC candidates
• Carry out the duties of the Pilotage Coordinator when required. Administrative support on Pilot payroll, pilot rosters and Pilotage Coordinators. Assist PSO’s with administration of Pilot radios, iPads, PPU’s and operational equipment.
• Report preparation in relation to equipment performance, defects and movement reports, statistics, and trend analyses, which may be requested on an ad hoc or more regular basis.
• Working as part of a team to provide general support to the Marine Pilotage Managers.
• Any other duties required by Management for the efficient and safe running of the department.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive and exclusive, and the post-holder will undertake any other duties as required commensurate with the role and responsibilities of the post.

What we are looking for:

• High level of knowledge/qualifications in IT software support.
• Good Experience in Port or Maritime environment, and awareness of Safe Systems of work.
• Good Knowledge and experience of using Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Good personal communication skills to direct pilots on safety, training, and administrative issues.
• Accurate recordkeeping essential.
• Personal resilience and high drive to succeed.
• Flexibility to work as needed to ensure all PLA staff and visitors using piloted vessels are issued and trained accordingly in the use of lifesaving equipment such as Sea Safe coats and that accurate records are kept accordingly.
• Knowledge of pilotage legislation is beneficial, and Health & Safety is imperative.

Experience of using pilot radios, navigational software, and pilot PPU’s is highly beneficial.

Benefits package:

• Equivalent of 28 days annual leave
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Kevin Beacon, Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager on Kevin.Beacon@pla.co.uk or Dave Newbury, Marine Pilotage Manage on David.Newbury@pla.co.uk during the working hours of 08:00am to 16:00pm.

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.