Damian Laughlin is a marine pilot who manages Port Phillip Sea Pilots (PPSP) maximum situational awareness approach to passage planning. A director of PPSP he is using a data analytical approach to marine pilotage, building more resilient pilotage plans and working to bridge the gap between marine pilot, ship's crew and port operators operating off different pilotage plans. Damian trains exempt masters in PPSP approach to pilotage planning.

An active member of the PPSP safety management committee, accident investigation committee and a check pilot. He has been a director with the Australasian Maritime Pilots Institute since 2020 and carries a passion for training and industry development.