Trainee Shipping Agent

Stafforce Recruitment; Newport; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Trainee Shipping Agent to assist in maritime operations at Newport. This entry-level position involves extensive training in booking vessels in/out of port, handling documentation, and liaising with port authorities. Ideal candidates should have strong administrative skills, attention to detail, and confidence in communication. This role offers a structured development path in the maritime sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in a shipping or maritime role, or understanding of port operations.
• Port Ops experience is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Booking vessels in/out of port and arranging pilotage/tug services.
• Preparing and submitting port, customs and immigration documentation.
• Assisting with vessel husbandry and crew arrangements.
• Liaising with port authorities, stevedores, and terminal operators.
• Supporting Masters and crew during port calls.

Skills

Strong administration and organisation skills

Good attention to detail

Confident communication style

Ability to work in a fast-moving environment

Job description

Are you looking to build a career in the maritime sector? We're recruiting for a Trainee Shipping Agent to join our clients busy port operations team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is organised, confident, and eager to learn the world of shipping agency work.

Purpose of the Role

You'll be the key link between vessels, authorities, and port services - helping to ensure smooth and safe port calls. This is an admin-focused position with a strong operational element, so you'll learn the ropes across documentation, vessel liaison, port procedures, and maritime regulations. You'll also be interacting directly with Masters and vessel crew, so you'll need confidence communicating with people at every level - from stevedores to ship captains.

What you'll be doing

• Booking vessels in/out of port and arranging pilotage/tug services
• Preparing and submitting port, customs and immigration documentation
• Assisting with vessel husbandry and crew arrangements
• Liaising with port authorities, stevedores, and terminal operators
• Supporting Masters and crew during port calls
• Preparing manifests, vessel reports and operational documentation
• Arranging logistics including fuel, provisions and repairs
• Preparing financial reports and vessel call documentation

From organising crew changes to submitting pre-arrival reports, you'll learn every aspect of what it takes to professionally manage a vessel call.

Who we're looking for

Ideally you will have:

• Experience in a shipping or maritime role, or understanding of port operations (Port Ops experience is a strong advantage)

You'll also need:

• Strong administration and organisation skills
• Good attention to detail
• Confident communication style
• Ability to work in a fast-moving environment

What you'll gain

• Port entry requirements
• Customs & immigration processes
• Maritime documentation
• Safety and compliance procedures
• Direct vessel liaison
• Operational reporting

This is a structured development role where you'll build toward managing vessel calls independently.

Interested?

If you're organised, confident around people, and excited by maritime operations, we'd love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to step into the shipping sector and build a long-term career in port agency.

Job Info

Job Title: Trainee Shipping Agent
Company: Stafforce Recruitment
Location: Newport, Newport
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Closes: Jan 9th 2026

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.