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Port Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX

The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

New

Centerline Logistics

Inland Port Captain

Channelview, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Conduct Tug Inspections, attend SIRE inspections, and conduct evaluations and navigation audits of ... Must be physically fit enough to board barges and tugs at sea and in port. * Frequently required to ...

New

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

New

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 ...

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

New

Kirby Corporation

Port Captain - KOM

Houston, TX · On-site

Overview The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.

New

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPort Inspector JobsPort Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX

Port Inspector information

See Houston, TX salary details

$22K

$49.4K

$89.1K

How much do port inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for port inspector in Houston, TX is $49,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,600.00 and $57,100.00 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 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,435 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Port Captain - KOM

Kirby Corporation

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

The essential duties of the Port Captain position include overseeing day-to-day vessel operations, conducting inspections, and acting as a shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels. Responsibilities also involve ensuring compliance with company policies, regulations, and customer requirements, as well as coordinating repair work for navigational equipment. The role includes approving vessel purchases and requisitions, participating in incident and emergency response, and cultivating customer relations. Additionally, the Port Captain conducts performance reviews, develops safety messages, and tracks document expiration and inspections. They also participate in audits, training, incident investigations, and budget monitoring, while attending industry/customer meetings and addressing operational issues as needed.


  • Oversees day-to-day vessel operations.
  • Oversees material condition of the fleet.
  • Conducts routine and non-routine inspections of vessels.
  • Acts as shore-side representative for a fleet of vessels.
  • Implements Company policies and procedures.
  • Ensures vessel personnel operate according to regulations, procedures, and Customer requirements.
  • Oversees vessel crew assignments.
  • Performs boat visits to monitor safety standards and monitor "appearance."
  • Transfer Audits
  • Vessel Safety Audits
  • Work Place Safety Observations
  • Job Hazard Analysis
  • Coordinates repair work for all navigational equipment aboard vessels.
  • Radar, Radios, AIS, GPS, GMDSS, BNWAS, SSAS
  • Approves vessel purchases and/or places vessel purchases.
  • Approves requisitions pertaining to vessel operations for payment.
  • Actively participates in incident and emergency response including coordinating and/or conducting post-incident drug and alcohol testing.
  • Approves new vessel pilot house employees.
  • Participates in on-call duty rotation.
  • Cultivates customer relations.
  • Reviews and recommends vessel employee promotions.
  • Reviews annual performance review of vessel crew completed by Captains.
  • Conducts Captains’ performance reviews annually.
  • Develops safety messages to fleet as required.
  • Develops “Lessons Learned” for fleet distribution when required.
  • Tracks expiration of all pertinent documents for vessels and barges and coordinates ABS/USCG inspections
  • Participates in SIRE audits.
  • Participates in vessel personnel training and HSQE System.
  • Conducts incident investigations and develops corrective actions.
  • Monitors budget versus actual vessel expenditures
  • Attends industry/customer meetings as needed.
  • Counsels Vessel Captains (crew, budget, and operational issues)
  • Special projects as required.

Special Education, Training, Degree or License Required:

Experience with Tank Barge Operations including cargo handling preferred; PIC Endorsement or 1600 Ton Master License or Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience preferred, minimum 5 years Industry experience.

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