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Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... the summer. Incumbent employee may also be exposed to loud sounds and be required to wear and use hearing protection as required. Certain cargo ships may contain salt, silica, coal, and other ...

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Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship information

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$13

$21

$36

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer entry level cargo ship in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship vs Summer Entry Level Marine Deckhand?

AspectSummer Entry Level Cargo ShipSummer Entry Level Marine Deckhand
Required CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Basic Seaman's LicenseSTCW Basic Safety Training, Basic Seaman's License
Work EnvironmentOn cargo ships transporting goods globallyOn various vessels performing deck duties
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, freight carriersMaritime companies, shipping lines
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship and Summer Entry Level Marine Deckhand roles share similar certifications and work environments, both involving safety training and maritime settings. The cargo ship role focuses on transporting goods across oceans, while the deckhand assists with vessel maintenance and deck operations. Both positions are entry-level, ideal for those starting a maritime career in the shipping industry.

How hard is it to get a job on a summer entry level cargo ship?

Securing a summer entry-level cargo ship position typically requires basic maritime safety training, such as STCW certification, and sometimes prior related experience or physical fitness. Competition can be moderate, and employers often look for motivated candidates willing to work long hours in a demanding environment. Applying early and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve chances of hiring.

How to get into summer entry level cargo ship jobs?

To secure a summer entry-level cargo ship job, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic physical fitness, and may require certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Relevant skills include teamwork, communication, and safety awareness, and applying through shipping companies, maritime training programs, or job boards is common.

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

Summer entry-level cargo ship positions often do not require prior experience, but applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass safety training and certifications such as STCW. Basic physical fitness and the ability to work in a maritime environment are also important. Some companies may provide on-the-job training for new hires.
More about Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship jobs? Cities with the most Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Entry Level Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 32% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 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.
Skills & Requirements Qualifications