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Vessel Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Saltchuk Marine

Dispatch Supervisor

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Harbor Fleet Services Dispatch is responsible for providing numerous critical functions to ... Necessary to understand day-to-day vessel operations and vessel capabilities. * Thorough ...

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Vessel Dispatcher information

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How much do vessel dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vessel dispatcher?

Vessel dispatchers are professionals responsible for coordinating the movement and scheduling of ships, barges, or other watercraft. They communicate with vessel crews, port authorities, and shipping companies to ensure efficient and safe arrivals, departures, and cargo handling. Their duties often include tracking vessel locations, monitoring weather conditions, and resolving logistical issues to minimize delays. Vessel dispatchers play a critical role in maritime transportation, helping maintain smooth operations and compliance with regulations.

How does a vessel dispatcher typically coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth vessel operations?

A Vessel Dispatcher works closely with port authorities, operations teams, and logistics coordinators to manage the timely arrival, loading, and departure of vessels. Collaboration is essential, as dispatchers must communicate schedule changes, cargo requirements, and weather-related updates to all relevant parties. This teamwork ensures that operations run safely and efficiently, minimizing delays and optimizing vessel turnaround times. Effective communication and the ability to adapt to changing conditions are key aspects of success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Dispatcher, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of maritime operations, often supported by relevant experience or maritime certifications. Familiarity with vessel tracking systems, scheduling software, and communication technologies is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, multitasking abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with ship crews, ports, and logistics teams. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient vessel movements and minimize operational delays.

What is the difference between Vessel Dispatcher vs Marine Coordinator?

AspectVessel DispatcherMarine Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires maritime or logistics certificationsOften requires similar maritime certifications and experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, coordinating vessel movementsOffice and on-site, overseeing marine operations
Industry UsageCommon in shipping, freight, and maritime logisticsUsed in shipping companies, ports, and maritime operations
Job FocusScheduling and coordinating vessel dispatchesManaging overall marine operations and logistics

Both Vessel Dispatchers and Marine Coordinators work within maritime logistics, often sharing similar certifications and work environments. While Vessel Dispatchers focus on scheduling and coordinating vessel movements, Marine Coordinators oversee broader marine operations. The roles are closely related but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is it hard to get hired as a vessel dispatcher?

Getting hired as a vessel dispatcher can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience in logistics, shipping, or transportation, as well as strong organizational and communication skills. Employers may also prefer candidates with familiarity with dispatch software and industry regulations, but entry-level positions are available for those with related backgrounds and certifications.

What does a vessel dispatcher do?

A vessel dispatcher coordinates the scheduling, routing, and communication for ships and cargo, ensuring timely and efficient operations. They monitor vessel movements, communicate with crew and port authorities, and use tracking tools to manage logistics and compliance. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this role.
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What job categories do people searching Vessel Dispatcher jobs look for?

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Vessel Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.

Dispatch Supervisor

Saltchuk Marine

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

This position is responsible for providing direct supervisory and leadership to the dispatchers. Responsible for hiring, training, and maintaining a high level of customer service. Harbor Fleet Services Dispatch is responsible for providing numerous critical functions to participating operating companies (OpCo's) by providing order intake, asset assignment, job release, shift coverage and first level customer service for participating OpCos.
Essential Functions:
  • Create and oversee dispatch operating procedures in most efficient way by utilizing Harbor Fleet Services Dispatchers.
  • First call for shift coverage in both harbors
  • Resolve customer service issues and escalate to OpCos if necessary.
  • Provide direct supervision for Dispatchers.
  • Prepare monthly shift schedules and approves timecards.
  • Collaborate with OpCo's and customer stakeholders to provide strategic direction of the dispatchers.
  • Ensure best in class service to the customer.
  • Assists shift personnel as needed in taking customer orders & dispatching tugs
  • Manage the processes within customer service to ensure the highest level of consistency and accuracy.
  • Supports OpCos with daily activity reports or data as requested.
  • Oversee incident/emergency notifications and response directives.
  • Facilitate MTSA communications to the company Security Officer, between OpCo vessels and barges, federal, state and local agencies and concerned industry organizations; as well as ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Oversee the use and operation of the dispatch system.

Supervisory and Leadership of Direct Staff
  • Be a leader for "SpeakUp", including encouraging peers and staff to exhibit a safe and ethical culture.
  • Responsible for all matters of employment including recruiting, training, development, promotion, discipline and termination.
  • Understands and complies with Saltchuk Marine's policies and procedures, including EEO, Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Saltchuk Code of Ethical Business Conduct.
  • Lead and manage department processes and practices to ensure that programs are alighted with OpCo business goals and objectives.
  • Provide direction and leadership to achieve Saltchuk Marine's Core Values, Mission and Safety Vision.
  • Process performance evaluations in a timely, effective and fair manner.
  • Direct, motivate and develop employees for maximum performance.
  • Establish goals, monitor progress and results of direct reports.
  • Addresses inter- and intra-department training needs and counseling, as needed.
  • Perform special duties and other projects as assigned.
  • Accomplish all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.

Knowledge Of:
  • Must understand the process of following a job from initial customer inquiry through the billing cycle.
  • Data driven processes, metrics and key performance indicators of the maritime industry
  • Business writing skills.
  • Customer base and customer requirements.
  • Knowledge of capabilities and availability of competitor floating equipment.
  • Knowledge of labor agreements and work rules for various unions.
  • Knowledge of MTSA related communications, procedures and MARSEC levels.
  • Should have knowledge of the maritime industry. Necessary to understand day-to-day vessel operations and vessel capabilities.
  • Thorough understanding of company policies/procedures.

Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to analyze problems and formulate/implement solutions.
  • Ability to develop, monitor and report performance benchmarks.
  • Ability to effectively supervise peers and subordinates.
  • Ability to handle fast paced and stressful situations.
  • Ability to meet operational deadlines in a timely manner, without sacrificing operational priorities or customer satisfaction.
  • Ability to prioritize responsibilities and assignments under constantly changing operational requirements and demands.
  • Ability to understand, interpret and comply with government and industry regulations pertaining to barge and vessel operations.
  • Excellent communication and human relation skills necessary in dealing with customers (on an operational and support level), industry associations, vendors, staff and all levels of SM employees.
  • Ability to make supervisory decisions affecting the disposition of tugs and crews daily.
  • A team player able to exercise authority when required.
  • Able to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
  • Capable of answering or following up with answers to customer's inquiries or complaints with empathy.
  • Possess ability to read, interpret and apply legal documents to ensure compliance with government regulations relating to work rules and the maritime industry.
  • Presentation skills needed to illustrate, train, and advise.
  • Proficient in the use of personal computers and basic software programs.
  • Flexibility, strong listening skills, and change management are essential skills.

Minimum Qualifications: This position generally requires a college degree in business. A Maritime Academy graduate is preferred and two to five years of related operations/scheduling experience in the maritime industry.
Compensation:
This position has a full annual salary range of $83,914 to $125,870. The anticipated hiring range is $95,000 to $105,000, with final compensation determined by the candidate's relevant experience, skills, and overall qualifications.
Benefits:
  • The benefit program includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Long term disability insurance.
  • 401k program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Business travel assistance program.
  • Other voluntary benefits are available for purchase via payroll deduction at group rates.
  • Vacation - Foss appreciates how hard employees work and recognizes the importance of providing time for rest and relaxation. In this position you will accrue 10 days of vacation a year with a maximum accrual of 160 hours. Accrued vacation will be vested and available for use after successfully completing six (6) months of service.
  • Nine (9) paid holidays with two (2) additional floating holidays available after six (6) months of service.
  • Full time employees will accrue ninety-six (96) hours of sick leave per year, up to a maximum of 1,040 hours.
  • Bereavement Leave - three (3) paid days off for a death in the immediate family, or five (5) days off if travel greater than 500 miles is required.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • All other benefits as required by state law.

How to Apply
Ready to set sail with Harbor Fleet Services? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance please reach out to hr@saltchukmarine.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Drug Free Workplace
Harbor Fleet Services is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Harbor Fleet Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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