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Vessel Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intercruises Port Operations USA Inc.

Join our team as a Port Operations Agent where you are expected to independently oversee agency ... Attend vessel ship calls and act as a primary liaison between Cruise Line, port authorities and ...

Pump Dynamics

Boarding Agent

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Boarding Agent is responsible for the ... Established and maintain the marine vessel file ensuring documentation is prepared in an accurate ...

HMM America Inc.

Port Captain

Oakland, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Keep close contact with booking agent to book vessels as needed. QUALIFICATIONSESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES * Extensive knowledge of container, vessel and terminal operations.

Niwota Solutions

Operations Supervisor

Brea, CA · On-site

Receive pre-alert from overseas agent, verify shipment details against booking (BL, invoice ... Track vessel schedule, prepare and send arrival notice to customer with accurate ETA, charges, and ...

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All JobsVessel Agent JobsVessel Agent Jobs in California

Vessel Agent information

See California salary details

$20.6K

$50.2K

$96K

How much do vessel agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for vessel agent in California is $50,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $51,899.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vessel agent?

A Vessel Agent serves as the main point of contact for ships arriving at a port, ensuring smooth operations by coordinating with port authorities, customs, and service providers. They handle documentation, arrange necessary supplies, and facilitate crew changes while ensuring compliance with regulations. Their role is critical in minimizing delays and ensuring efficient port calls for shipping companies.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a vessel agent?

As a Vessel Agent, your daily tasks include coordinating vessel arrivals and departures, arranging required services such as pilotage, towage, and provisioning, and ensuring that all customs and port documentation is completed accurately and on time. You will regularly liaise with shipowners, port authorities, stevedores, and other stakeholders to facilitate fast and efficient cargo operations. The role often requires resolving unexpected issues, such as schedule changes or documentation discrepancies, in a timely manner. This dynamic environment means you'll need to stay organized and be prepared to handle multiple vessels or clients simultaneously.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the vessel agent position, and why are they important?

Vessel Agents need in-depth knowledge of shipping operations, port regulations, and documentation, often supported by a background in maritime logistics or transportation. Familiarity with port management software, cargo tracking systems, and industry certifications (such as IMDG Code training) is common in the field. Excellent organizational skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure smooth vessel turnaround, regulatory compliance, and positive relationships with clients, port authorities, and crew.

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Agent jobs in California?

For Vessel Agent jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vessel Agent jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Vessel Agent jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Vessel Agent jobs?

Cities in California with the most Vessel Agent job openings:

Vessel Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Agent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, and 48% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,175 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Port Operations Agent

Intercruises Port Operations USA Inc.

On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee agency vessel operations for port calls, including coordinating vessel arrival, departure, and berthing arrangements.

  • Manage operational and administrative duties such as arranging pilots, line handlers, stevedores, and ensuring vessel clearance with government officials.

  • Monitor vessel movements, port, and weather conditions to anticipate challenges and communicate effectively with all involved parties.

Job description

Join our team as a Port Operations Agent where you are expected to independently oversee agency vessel operations for the port call. Attending to all the operations and administrative duties, including, but not limited to - arranging pilots, line handlers and stevedores, coordinating ship clearance with government officials, making transportation arrangements for crew onboard, and managing delivery of provisioning for the cruise ship. Based in San Diego, CA, you will ensure an excellent service for our cruise line clients.
ABOUT THE JOB
  • Attend vessel ship calls and act as a primary liaison between Cruise Line, port authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth and efficient handling and processing of vessel operations for their port of calls. Ensuring operational demands are met and carried out according to protocols and policies set forth.
  • Coordinate vessel arrival/departures and berthing arrangements with port authority, terminal operators, security, government entities and maritime service providers.
  • Monitor and respond to email requests within a timely manner from various regional email accounts.
  • Facilitate vessel entry/clearance procedures, including customs, immigration, health formalities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Utilize the different systems for all vessel entry/departure requirements.
  • Work in close collaboration with suppliers to ensure we deliver safe, healthy, and sustainable service.
  • Solve day-to-day issues and propose workflow improvements to your manager, to enhance productivity and efficiency in port operations.
  • Monitor vessel movements, port, and weather conditions to anticipate operational challenges and minimize disruptions and effectively communicate to all parties involved.
  • Compile and submit appropriate updates throughout the day Cruise Line’s corporate managers. Complete appropriate sail reports as required by each line.
  • Complete each respective sailing documents required for invoicing/billing within acceptable time frame and ensure all back up documentation has been saved appropriately.
  • Actively participate in conference calls with vessels and/or cruise lines when needed.
  • Forward any vessel/ship packages/mail, medical luggage or lost and found items/ mail as requested by line at the end of the day and notify relevant parties of tracking info and costs.
  • Coordinate/provide appropriate medical assistance amp; provide follow up/updates for any medically disembarked crew or guest to respective persons/departments for each cruise line.
ABOUT YOU
  • Excellent communication skills in English language, both written and oral.
  • Good academic background. Maritime studies are desirable.
  • Preferred previous experience as a Port Agent.
  • Problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Good office administration and organizational skills with a keen eye for attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
  • Orientation to results and customer service; decisive problem solving.
  • Business travel availability, if required by Manager

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