John Stephen Miller
Cairns
Summary
Specialist Navigating Officer with 18+ years in the Royal Australian Navy, including extensive shiphandling experience across all classes of warship and operations in domestic and international ports. Skilled in navigation, pilotage, port operations, and maritime law, with a strong background in BRM, training, and risk management. Proven leader in team development and operational effectiveness, most recently as Commanding Officer of ADV Cape Spencer and Navigation Officer of Australia’s largest warship. Enthusiastic team player with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, now seeking to leverage naval pilot expertise and transition to the civilian maritime industry.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commanding Officer ADV Cape Spencer
Royal Australian Navy
12.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance mission readiness and operational effectiveness.
- Led successful missions, demonstrating strong decision-making skills and strategic planning abilities under pressure.
- Promoted a positive organizational culture that fostered teamwork, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
- Conducted training exercises to improve crew performance and adherence to safety protocols.
- Evaluated strategic objectives, aligning team efforts with overall command directives.
Naval Harbour Master - Sydney
Royal Australian Navy
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Responsible to the Master Attendant for the planning and conduct of Pilotage duties including berthing/unberthing of RAN and visiting Foreign Warships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, scheduling of RAN and visiting Foreign Warships, provisioning and de-confliction with Port of Sydney.
- Provide mentorship, training and assessment for licencing of Junior Pilots
Navigation Officer HMAS Adelaide
Royal Australian Navy
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Responsible for the safe navigation of Adelaide including all passage planning, berthing, unberthing, pilotage and underway conduct in domestic and international ports
- Planning and execution of task group tactics and manoeuvre
- Azipod Operations
- Bridge Manager
- Training and Assessment Officer for Junior Officers
Education
Master of Science - Maritime Operations
Kingston University
London, UK03-2028
Bachelor of Science - Sports Science And Technology
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, UK07-2005
Skills
- Developing talent through mentorship
- Workforce development
- Strategic delegation skills
- Innovative adaptability
- Shiphandling
- Effective Leadership
Certification
- Unlimited Warship Pilot (Nuclear) - 2024
- Unlimited Warship Pilot - 2022
- Advanced Navigation Course (PWO N+) - 2021
- RAN Large Shiphandling Course - AMC - 2021
- General Shiphandling Course - Port ASH - 2020
- Restricted Warship Pilot - 2019
- Long N Navigation Course - 2018
- General Shiphandling Course - Port ASH - 2018
- Intermediate Navigation Course - 2016
Timeline
Commanding Officer ADV Cape Spencer
Royal Australian Navy
12.2024 - Current
Naval Harbour Master - Sydney
Royal Australian Navy
08.2023 - 10.2024
Navigation Officer HMAS Adelaide
Royal Australian Navy
11.2021 - 12.2022
Master of Science - Maritime Operations
Kingston University
Bachelor of Science - Sports Science And Technology
University of Central Lancashire