Vessel Operator / Port Agent

CORE Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CORE Group in Houston, TX is seeking a Vessel Operator / Port Agent to coordinate vessel arrivals, port stays, and departures on-site. You will act as the primary local contact for masters, owners, port authorities, government agencies, and service providers to manage clearances, marine services, crew needs, and port documentation.

The role emphasizes vessel attendance and husbandry services; cargo arrangements fall outside the primary scope.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in ship agency operations.
• Proficiency with vessel attendance, port clearance procedures, and marine service coordination.
• U.S. citizenship and valid TWIC credential.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to manage documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate vessel arrival, departure, and shifting arrangements at ports.
• Prepare and submit vessel information to port authorities and CBP forms.
• Prepare or verify Notices of Arrival/Departure and ballast water submissions.
• Serve as primary contact for USCG, CBP, and USDA matters.
• Arrange pilots, tugboats, line handlers, and marine services.
• Coordinate terminal access, gate lists, and Letters of Indemnity.
• Arrange supplies, minor repairs, and hot work permits.
• Attend vessels in Houston, Freeport, Point Comfort, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Port Arthur and Beaumont.
• Prepare sailing docs, port clearances, Statements of Facts, and arrival/departure reports.
• Coordinate crew changes, medical appointments, and immigration parole if required.
• Coordinate International Carrier Bonds and maintain agency permits/licenses.
• Review vendor invoices for services provided.
• Support the Operations Manager with additional tasks.

Skills

Organizational & communication skills

Customer service focus

Education

Maritime studies or shipping/logistics background (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vessel Operator / Port Agent

Job Summary

This on-site position, based in Houston, TX, is responsible for coordinating vessel arrivals, port stays, shifting arrangements, and departures. Serving as the primary local contact for vessel masters, owners, port authorities, government agencies, and service providers, the Vessel Operator / Port Agent manages vessel clearances, marine services, crew needs, and port documentation. The role focuses on vessel attendance and husbandry services; cargo arrangements are outside its primary scope.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate vessel arrival, departure, and shifting arrangements at assigned ports.
• Prepare and submit required vessel information to port authorities and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including CBP Form 3171 and berth applications.
• Prepare or verify electronic Notices of Arrival/Departure and ballast water submissions, as required.
• Serve as the primary contact for vessel matters involving the USCG, CBP, and USDA, including inspections and detentions.
• Arrange pilots, tugboats, line handlers, and other marine services.
• Coordinate terminal access, gate lists, and boarding Letters of Indemnity.
• Arrange vessel supplies, services, minor repairs, and hot work permits requested by masters or owners.
• Attend vessels in Houston, Freeport, Point Comfort, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Port Arthur, and Beaumont, as assigned.
• Prepare sailing documentation, port clearances, Statements of Facts, and vessel arrival/departure reports.
• Coordinate crew changes, medical appointments, and immigration parole requests when required.
• Coordinate International Carrier Bonds and maintain applicable agency permits and licenses.
• Review vendor invoices for arranged services and verify their accuracy.
• Support the Operations Manager with additional operational assignments.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of experience in ship agency operations.
• Working knowledge of vessel attendance, port clearance procedures, and marine service coordination.
• Valid TWIC and a good driving record.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and collaborate with a team.
• Ability to board vessels, climb ladders and gangways, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Higher education in maritime studies, shipping, logistics, or a related field is preferred.