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Professional Vessel Traffic Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Hartford, CT · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

New

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Liberty, NY · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Concord, NH · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

* ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Montpelier, VT · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones throughout ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Hartford, CT · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

New

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

New

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Johnson, VT · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Milton, VT · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones throughout ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Laconia, NH · On-site

$21/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Enfield, NH · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones throughout ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Liberty, NY · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

ADA Traffic Control

Traffic Control Flagger

Kingston, NY · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

ADA Traffic Control is an exciting family-run company providing services to work zones all over ... Clear and professional communication with contractors, co-workers and general public. * Must be ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Vessel Traffic Control Jobs

Professional Vessel Traffic Control information

See salary details

$25.5K

$92.5K

$182K

How much do professional vessel traffic control jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional vessel traffic control in the United States is $92,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Vessel Traffic Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Vessel Traffic Controller, you need strong situational awareness, decision-making skills, and knowledge of maritime regulations, usually supported by specialized training or certification in vessel traffic services. Familiarity with radar, AIS (Automatic Identification System), VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) systems, and marine communication protocols is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vessels, preventing accidents, and maintaining the security of busy waterways.

What is the difference between Professional Vessel Traffic Control vs Marine Radio Operator?

AspectProfessional Vessel Traffic ControlMarine Radio Operator
Required CertificationsVessel Traffic Control Certification, FCC Radio LicenseFCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
Work EnvironmentHarbor, port, or maritime control centersShipboard, port facilities, or maritime communication centers
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime ports, coast guard, shipping companiesMaritime communication, shipping, port authorities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Professional Vessel Traffic Control specialists coordinate and monitor vessel movements in ports and waterways, ensuring safety and efficiency. Marine Radio Operators handle maritime communications, including distress signals and vessel-to-shore communication. While both roles require FCC licenses, Vessel Traffic Control focuses on traffic management within ports, whereas Marine Radio Operators primarily manage radio communications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the maritime industry.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the field of professional vessel traffic control, high-paying roles such as senior or specialized vessel traffic controllers can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working in high-demand or offshore environments. These positions often require advanced training, security clearances, and the ability to work in challenging conditions, with pay reflecting the responsibility and skill involved.

What are the main challenges Professional Vessel Traffic Controllers face when coordinating maritime traffic, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Vessel Traffic Controllers often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, high vessel traffic density, and communication barriers between ships from diverse backgrounds. To effectively manage these issues, controllers rely on advanced radar and tracking systems, maintain clear and consistent communication protocols, and work closely with port authorities and emergency response teams. Staying calm under pressure and continually updating situational awareness are key to ensuring safe and efficient vessel movement.

What does a vessel traffic controller do?

A vessel traffic controller monitors and manages ship movements in ports, harbors, and waterways to ensure safe and efficient navigation. They use radar, radio communication, and tracking systems to coordinate vessel traffic, prevent collisions, and respond to emergencies. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and often a certification in maritime or transportation safety.

What are Professional Vessel Traffic Controllers?

Professional Vessel Traffic Controllers are specialized maritime professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the movement of ships and vessels in and around ports, harbors, and waterways. They use radar, radio communication, and computerized systems to ensure safe navigation, prevent collisions, and coordinate vessel traffic flow. Their work is crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and environmental protection in busy maritime areas. These controllers often work in Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centers and collaborate closely with ship captains, port authorities, and emergency services.

How to become a VTS operator?

To become a Professional Vessel Traffic Control (VTS) operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in maritime navigation, safety procedures, and communication systems. Many positions require prior experience in maritime operations or related fields, and certification from relevant maritime authorities may be necessary. Strong communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to work in a high-pressure environment are essential for this role.

What is the highest paid job on a ship?

The highest paid positions on a ship are typically senior officers such as the captain or master, who oversee all vessel operations and safety. These roles require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often command the highest salaries among crew members. Salaries vary based on vessel size, company, and region but can reach six figures annually for experienced captains.
What cities are hiring for Professional Vessel Traffic Control jobs? Cities with the most Professional Vessel Traffic Control job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Traffic Control jobs? The most popular types of Vessel Traffic Control jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Vessel Traffic Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Vessel Traffic Control jobs include:
Professional Vessel Traffic Control jobs near you

Vessel Traffic Control Specialist

United States Coast Guard - ABILITY Job Fair

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$93K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

This vacancy is for a GS-2150-11, Vessel Traffic Control Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, SECTOR SAN FRANCISCO WATERWAYS MANAGEMENT DIVISION in SAN FRANCISCO, California.Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level,your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

  • Promoting the safe and efficient movement of maritime traffic.
  • Ensuring that vessel traffic is properly informed, advised, or directed in order to reduce the probability of collisions, rammings, groundings, and environmental damage.
  • Monitoring the progress of vessels, and informing, advising, or directing vessel operators.
  • Employing computers and communications technology to provide critical information and guidance to a master, pilot, or the persons in charge of vessels or commercial maritime experience engaging with a VTS.

OR
Have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
OR
A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.


NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
NOTE: Education can be substituted for experience at this grade level.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail.
Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected & prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. (see FOREIGN EDUCATION below).
College Transcript: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide all unofficial transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, etc.) by the closing date of this announcement or you will be disqualified from further consideration. Transcripts should be legible and detailed, showing course number and department (i.e., bio 101, math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. To receive this credit, you must submit evidence of equivalency as provided by a credentialling evaluation service. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.Employment Type: OTHER

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