Boarding Officer/ Ship Agent

• Oversee the ship’s interest when it is at port.
• Negotiate with authorities and terminal operators on behalf of vessel and its crew.

When a ship calls at a port, there is a list of duties that need to be done. As a Ship Agent, you act as an onsite operations person with knowledge of the workings of a particular port where ship owners may not have an office or personnel. You basically help to coordinate anything a ship needs while in port.

You may be required to:
• Give notification of arrival and departure of ships
• Arrange for repairs, berths, tugs, harbour pilots and launches
• Order stevedores, cranes and equipments
• Provide customs, immigration and port health formalities brokerage
• Collect and issue bills of lading
• May need to act as a sales & marketing person for the principal.

Typical employers are multinational ship agencies. However, agents can also choose to work as sole trader.

As ships move in and out of ports 24 hours a day, you may be required to work irregular hours. With tight schedules and unanticipated incidents, work can be stressful but challenging. The work is also be exciting and dynamic as it offers exposure to all parts of the marine industry

• Diploma
- Any discipline

A typical progression path for good performers can be:
Ship Agent -> Ship Agency Manager

- Flexible, with the ability to think on the spot.
- Good negotiation and communications skills
- Good interpersonal skills; able to build relationships with people of all levels.
- Ability to work under intense pressure

Entry level Boarding Officer and Ship Agent can expect to earn $1,700 to $2,500.

For more information on maritime careers, education and training, please visit www.maritimecareers.com.sg