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Port Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Port Houston

Senior Construction Project Manager

Seabrook, TX · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work ... Provide oversight and mentoring to CPM I and CPM II staff and field inspectors * Act as senior ...

Wilhelmsen

Port Services Engineer

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$75K/yr

As a Port Service Engineer, you will be responsible for selling and promoting marine products ... and inspections/installations. * Complete and issue relevant documentation after every visit ...

Sunrise Drayage

Class A CDL Port Driver

Houston, TX · On-site

Do Pre-trip and Post Trip inspections every day. * Ability to think outside the box to solve ... Get PODS and port tickets and submit in a timely manner. * Hook amp; Unhook hoses to chassis.

Port Houston

Tradesman II Captain

Houston, TX · On-site

Port Houston offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, inclusive work ... Provide a floating platform for engineers, contractors, maintenance personnel, etc., to inspect and ...

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All JobsPort Inspector JobsPort Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX

Port Inspector information

See Houston, TX salary details

$23.4K

$52.5K

$94.5K

How much do port inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for port inspector in Houston, TX is $52,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,800.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a port inspector?

Port Inspectors are officials responsible for inspecting cargo, vessels, and port facilities to ensure compliance with national and international laws and regulations. They check for safety, security, and environmental standards, as well as monitor for illegal activities such as smuggling or trafficking. Port Inspectors may also verify documentation, inspect containers, and coordinate with other agencies to maintain port safety. Their work is essential for protecting public health, national security, and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a port inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Port Inspector, you need a solid understanding of maritime regulations, inspection procedures, and relevant laws, often supported by a background in maritime studies or law enforcement. Familiarity with inspection tools, safety equipment, and documentation or cargo tracking systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors navigate complex situations and enforce regulations diplomatically. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure port security, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient port operations.

What are some common challenges port inspectors face during inspections, and how can they effectively address them?

Port Inspectors often encounter challenges such as handling tight inspection schedules, dealing with diverse cargo types, and ensuring compliance with complex international regulations. Effective communication with shipping agents, customs officials, and logistics teams is crucial to resolve discrepancies and prevent delays. Staying updated on regulatory changes and using technology for documentation can help Port Inspectors perform thorough and efficient inspections, while also maintaining safety and security standards within the port environment.

What is the difference between Port Inspector vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectPort InspectorMarine Surveyor
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in port operations, safety, or inspectionRequires certifications in marine surveying, vessel inspection, and sometimes engineering
Work EnvironmentPrimarily stationed at ports, inspecting cargo, ships, and port facilitiesWorks on ships, at ports, or in offices conducting vessel and cargo surveys
Employer & IndustryPort authorities, shipping companies, logistics firmsMaritime companies, insurance firms, ship owners, regulatory agencies

While both roles involve inspection and safety, Port Inspectors focus on port operations and cargo handling, whereas Marine Surveyors specialize in vessel condition and compliance. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the maritime industry.

What are popular job titles related to Port Inspector jobs in Houston, TX?

For Port Inspector jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Port Inspector jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Port Inspector jobs in Houston, TX are:

Port Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Port Inspector job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,465 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Port Engineer - MSC Gov't Experience/Shipyard Preferred

Patriot Maritime

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

PORT ENGINEER
Patriot Maritime is a leading maritime contractor to the U.S. Government, managing and operating vessels. Headquartered in Houston, TX, Patriot is looking for Port Engineers in conjunction with the contract requirements for Military Sealift Command (MSC), MARAD, and our commercial fleet.
An active SECRET level security Clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance is required.
Responsibilities & Authorities:
  • Oversee the safe and economic operation of an assigned group of vessels and cost-effectively manages the assigned
  • Manage day-to-day vessel-related problems including operational, technical support and safety areas, providing supervision and handling crew-related
  • Manage daily operations according to the Safety and Quality Management
  • Monitor the incidents and reports submitted by assigned vessels via the Docmap program and respond with comments, resolutions, corrective actions as necessary. Provide closure to incidents/reports in the SQMS within specified response times.
  • Periodically review the Class vessel report for deficiencies and relevant date-specific requirements.
  • Work with assigned vessel personnel to ensure they operate according to the policies, procedures, and performance standards of
  • Member of the Incident Response Team (IRT) for any vessel casualty they are
  • Conduct accident or near miss
  • Maintain familiarity with Company's Employee Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), as described in SQMS and requirements for completing Vendor/Visitor Familiarization Checklist prior to beginning work on the
  • Ensure that the Chief Engineer reviews and signs off on all vendor service reports and conducts a personal physical review when possible. The Port Engineer may take on this responsibility for the Chief Engineer when
  • In consultation with the Chief Engineer, physically inspect the preventive maintenance records in SAMM and manage Planned Maintenance Industrial Assist (PMIA) w/in SAMM.
  • Maintain awareness of outstanding USCG 835 deficiencies and Port State Control findings, and report current status and progress on any required tracking

Qualifications:
  • Possess a minimum of three years' experience as a Port Engineer having managed and negotiated at least two shipyard dry-docking availabilities with a value greater than three million dollars. Experience gained while employed by a shipyard or while serving active duty in the military may be applicable towards meeting this requirement if the duties and responsibilities of the positions are substantially the same as a Port Engineer. This experience shall demonstrate their ability to effectively manage and negotiate complex projects such as shipyard dry dock overhauls and other types of repairs.•
  • Possess a minimum of four years' experience serving aboard Government or commercial ocean-going ships of not less than 4,000 HP as either a Chief Engineer or a First Assistant Engineer. This experience shall demonstrate effective management of maintenance and repair of ocean-going ships.•
  • Possess minimum of seven years' total experience that is comprised of one or more of the following:
    • An engineering related degree (e.g. Marine Engineer, Marine Architecture; Mechanical Engineering).
    • A Bachelor's Degree will count for three years' total education experience.
    • A Master's Degree or higher will count for an additional one year of experience.
    • Engineering Degree(s) will count for no more than four years' total experience.
    • Experience gained while employed by a shipyard in a management position
    • Serving active duty in the military performing duties substantially the same as a Port Engineer
    • This experience shall demonstrate their ability to manage and negotiate complex projects such as shipyard dry dock overhauls and other types of repairs on ocean-going ships.
  • Strong communication skills both written and verbal
  • Good project management skills, including strong decision-making, problem-solving and strategic planning abilities
  • Strong time management skills
  • Intermediate knowledge of the MS Office Suite, MS 360 and SharePoint required
  • An active SECRET level security Clearance or the ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance is required
  • The ability to travel up to 15% per year, and up to 50% during shipyard years.

Patriot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Patriot is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, national or social or ethnic origin, gender, age, physical, disability, sexual/identity, or orientation.

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