Senior Vessel Boarding & Port Operations Specialist

Seaport Agencies; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Seaport Agencies in New Orleans seeks an experienced vessel boarding agent to own assigned port calls from pre-arrival to departure, coordinating with the local operations team.

You will communicate with masters, owners, charterers, terminals, authorities, and service providers, arrange pilots and tug services, and ensure accurate documentation. This role requires on-call coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a vessel boarding agent or port agent.
• Working knowledge of vessel clearance procedures, CBP and USCG requirements.
• New Orleans and Lower Mississippi River experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating cargo operations and husbandry services.
• Strong written communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple calls, prioritize time-sensitive requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain a TWIC.
• Availability for scheduled on-call coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to board vessels safely and comply with vessel and terminal safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate assigned vessel calls from pre-arrival through departure.
• Communicate proactively with masters, owners, charterers, terminals, authorities, and service providers.
• Arrange and confirm pilots, tugs, launches, transportation, crew changes, supplies, and other vessel services.
• Prepare and follow up on vessel clearance documents, notifications, reports, and statements of facts.
• Monitor vessel movements, terminal readiness, and service arrangements; address changes promptly.
• Maintain clear handovers identifying outstanding matters, deadlines, and required follow-up.
• Obtain vendor quotations, support port-cost estimates, and collect billing documentation.
• Participate in on-call rotation to cover colleagues’ time off.

Skills

Vessel boarding/port agent experience

Regulatory knowledge

New Orleans/Louisiana experience

TWIC

On-call availability

Job description

Seaport Agencies in New Orleans seeks an experienced vessel boarding agent to own assigned port calls from pre-arrival to departure, coordinating with the local operations team.

You will communicate with masters, owners, charterers, terminals, authorities, and service providers, arrange pilots and tug services, and ensure accurate documentation. This role requires on-call coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.