Revived Thames shipping activity prompts recruitment of 12 river pilots
THE Port of London Authority (PLA) is recruiting 12 new pilots this year to respond to increased shipping on the Thames.
"We are seeing an increase in traffic including containers, trailers, bulks like cement, and oil products," said PLA marine operations director Peter Steen.
"And Thames terminals are investing in new infrastructure that is expected increase their throughput even more. The new pilots will help us handle the increase in vessels."
The PLA is looking for candidates with a Class 1 Unlimited Certificate of Competency. Other suitably qualified candidates who can demonstrate experience relative to marine pilotage will also be considered.
Candidates will typically undertake a 28 week course on the PLA's ship bridge simulator and tug simulator, training in Vessel Traffic Services and on board tugs and ships, with regular reviews, assessments and oral exams.
This will qualify them as a Class 4 pilot able to handle smaller vessels and they will have the opportunity to work up to being an unrestricted pilot, able to handle the biggest ships in the world.
Said PLA chief executive Robin Mortimer: "The Port of London grew to 45 million tonnes in 2015 and is the UK's busiest inland waterway. Over the next two decades the port will become the largest it’s ever been."
New investments on the Thames include those at DP World London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury, said the PLA.
London Gateway is due to open their third berth in Q4 2016, adding capacity to handle an extra 600,000 containers a year.
Meanwhile, Forth Ports has announced plans in upgrade the Tilbury Docks with the building of a state-of-the art temperature-controlled distribution centre and London Distribution Park.
THE Port of London Authority (PLA) is recruiting 12 new pilots this year to respond to increased shipping on the Thames.
"We are seeing an increase in traffic including containers, trailers, bulks like cement, and oil products," said PLA marine operations director Peter Steen.
"And Thames terminals are investing in new infrastructure that is expected increase their throughput even more. The new pilots will help us handle the increase in vessels."
The PLA is looking for candidates with a Class 1 Unlimited Certificate of Competency. Other suitably qualified candidates who can demonstrate experience relative to marine pilotage will also be considered.
Candidates will typically undertake a 28 week course on the PLA's ship bridge simulator and tug simulator, training in Vessel Traffic Services and on board tugs and ships, with regular reviews, assessments and oral exams.
This will qualify them as a Class 4 pilot able to handle smaller vessels and they will have the opportunity to work up to being an unrestricted pilot, able to handle the biggest ships in the world.
Said PLA chief executive Robin Mortimer: "The Port of London grew to 45 million tonnes in 2015 and is the UK's busiest inland waterway. Over the next two decades the port will become the largest it’s ever been."
New investments on the Thames include those at DP World London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury, said the PLA.
London Gateway is due to open their third berth in Q4 2016, adding capacity to handle an extra 600,000 containers a year.
Meanwhile, Forth Ports has announced plans in upgrade the Tilbury Docks with the building of a state-of-the art temperature-controlled distribution centre and London Distribution Park.