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Entry Level Cargo Ship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Cargo Ship information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do entry level cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cargo ship in Virginia is $20.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I work on an entry level cargo ship with no experience?

Entry level cargo ship positions often require minimal prior experience, but applicants typically need a valid maritime certification such as STCW Basic Safety Training. Employers may also look for physical fitness, the ability to work in a team, and willingness to learn safety procedures. Training is usually provided on the job or through maritime academies.

How much do entry level cargo ship workers get paid?

Entry-level cargo ship workers typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on the company, location, and specific role. Salaries can increase with experience, certifications, and additional responsibilities such as safety training or specialized skills.

What is an entry level cargo ship?

An entry-level cargo ship job involves working on a commercial vessel, assisting with loading and unloading cargo, maintenance, and general ship operations. Common positions include deckhands, wipers, and ordinary seamen, requiring physical labor and long shifts at sea. No prior experience is typically needed, but applicants must meet basic maritime safety requirements and obtain necessary certifications. This role provides valuable experience for advancing in the maritime industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level cargo ship position?

To thrive in an entry-level cargo ship position, you typically need a high school diploma, physical fitness, and basic maritime knowledge. Familiarity with safety procedures, cargo handling equipment, and basic navigation or watchkeeping certifications like STCW are often required. Teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals adapt to the unique environment at sea. These skills are essential to ensure onboard safety, efficient cargo operations, and smooth coordination with the crew.

What does an entry level cargo ship do?

Entry-level crew members on cargo ships are usually responsible for tasks such as assisting with loading and securing cargo, performing routine maintenance, cleaning, and participating in safety drills. You may also be assigned to watch duties, monitoring the ship and reporting any issues to senior crew members. Expect to work in a team-based environment, often in rotating shifts, and follow strict safety protocols at all times. These roles provide valuable on-the-job training and can be a stepping stone to more specialized maritime positions with continued experience and certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cargo Ship jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs in Virginia are:

Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cargo Ship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,436 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring. 

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules. 

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise 
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Prior customer service experience, required.  Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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