Captain Caz joins Port of London Authority Pilotage team

We are pleased to welcome Caroline ‘Caz’ Palmer to the pilotage team, as she embarks upon an intense six-month training programme which will equip her for the unique challenges of navigating the Thames.

Caz joins a 128-strong team of PLA Marine Pilots, safely guiding ships in and out of the port, around the clock, in all weathers.

Caz started her career in 2006 with Carnival UK. Once qualified she worked onboard cruise ships around the world before moving to the boutique Scottish based Hebridean Princess in 2014. There she worked her way through the senior ranks, becoming the first female Master of the company in 2022, sailing as Master thereon.

When not at sea with the Merchant Navy, Caz is an active member of the Sea Cadet Corps, currently based in West Kent. Whilst she instructs in several disciplines, seamanship is her passion.

A move into pilotage was the natural progression from Master and, already living in Kent meant that the Port of London was the ideal career move. Caz is enjoying her training so far and looking forward to becoming authorised.  

Dave Newbury, PLA Marine Pilotage Manager said:  

“We are thrilled to have Caz join the team, she brings a wealth of experience and great enthusiasm for the role.  

“Expanding our pool of available talent means we will be able to maintain a resilient service for our customers and will also help expand the volume of freight delivered to this country by river.”

Caz Palmer, Trainee Pilot said:

“I am delighted with the opportunity to work in the PLA. It’s a role that feels like a natural progression from my seagoing career and I am excited for the challenges it will bring.”

In 2023, the PLA achieved a 99.6 per cent pilotage service level for customers, during which our pilots guided 13,707 vessels along the river and estuary.