Meet our new trainee marine pilots

We’re delighted to welcome Sean, Oleksandr, Jonathan and Storm to the PLA as they begin their journey as trainee marine pilots.

Together, they bring a broad range of experience across passenger, commercial, military and pilotage operations, along with a shared passion for ship handling, navigation and maritime safety.

The Thames is one of the most dynamic and demanding pilotage environments in the world, and we’re confident they will rise to the challenge. We wish them every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter and look forward to supporting them throughout their training.

Sean Smith

Joins the us with 13 years’ experience working on passenger vessels operating internationally. Most recently, Sean spent a year working on super yachts based in the Mediterranean, further broadening his operational experience across different vessel types and environments.  

Sean was motivated to become a PLA Pilot by the opportunity to work in an ever-changing and challenging environment, with clear career progression within an esteemed and highly regarded organisation.  

In his new role, he is most excited by the daily challenge of operating a wide range of operationally diverse vessels within the unique confines of the Thames.  

Oleksandr Kaidanovych

Originally from Ukraine, Oleksandr joins us with experience across both passenger and commercial vessels. He most recently sailed with P&O Ferries, bringing a strong background in bridge watchkeeping, ship handling, and navigation in confined and high-traffic waters.  

Oleksandr was motivated to pursue pilotage by its reputation as one of the most challenging and interesting roles within the maritime industry. It has long been a career he aspired to, and the PLA in particular appealed to him due to the unique operating environment, where local knowledge, precise ship handling, and sound decision-making are critical on a daily basis.

In his new role, Oleksandr is most excited to get on board and begin his training, embracing the hands-on learning that comes with the position.  

Jonathan Church

Jonathan, who was born in London and has spent the past ten years living on the west coast of Scotland, has extensive experience in both seagoing and pilotage roles.  

Jonathan spent 15 years at sea with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, progressing from Cadet to Chief Officer. He then moved into pilotage, spending seven years as a maritime pilot at the dockyard ports of Gareloch and Loch Long, where he was primarily responsible for piloting NATO military vessels.  

Jonathan was motivated to join the PLA by the opportunity for continued professional development and the challenge of working in a busy port and river environment, offering a marked contrast to operations on the Clyde.  

In his new role, Jonathan is most looking forward to the opportunity to practise hands-on ship handling on a more regular basis.

Storm Smith-Suckoo

Originally from London, Storm has a broad and well-rounded maritime background. He began his cadetship studying at Plymouth University, completing his sea time with Carisbrooke Shipping on bulk cargo vessels trading primarily between Europe and Africa.  

After qualifying, Storm joined Trinity House as a Third Officer, progressing to Second Officer and obtaining his Chief Mate’s Certificate of Competency. He was later promoted to Chief Officer and went on to achieve his Master’s Certificate of Competency. His time working on Trinity House vessels provided extensive experience in ship handling across a wide variety of conditions, including operations within our pilotage district. Alongside this, Storm has also worked as a maritime consultant and managed a maritime training school.  

Storm’s motivation to become a PLA Pilot is rooted in his early experiences on the River Thames. He first learned to sail on the river and completed school work experience at the PLA, gaining exposure to areas including VTS and the Harbour Master’s team. Seeing shipping operations up close and speaking with pilots at an early stage sparked his ambition to go to sea, with pilotage becoming his long-term goal. Joining the organisation now as a trainee pilot marks a full-circle moment in his career.  

In his new role, Storm is most excited about taking on a fresh professional challenge, knowing that no two days will be the same. He is particularly looking forward to joining a highly skilled team and learning from experienced pilots about the pilotage district and the intricacies of ship handling.