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Vessel Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Vessel Planner is responsible for coordinating activities related to vessel operations as follows: * Develop and optimize stowage plans to maximize cargo capacity and efficiency, coordinating ...

The role involves ensuring equipment readiness for vessel operations, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and operating hydraulic equipment such as winches and deck cranes and ...

Cook (Vessel)

LA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Responsibilities The cook is responsible for monitoring work environments to ensure safe operations ... A safety-sensitive position is any position on board a vessel that requires the person filling that ...

Cook (Vessel)

Golden Meadow, LA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Responsibilities The cook is responsible for monitoring work environments to ensure safe operations ... A safety-sensitive position is any position on board a vessel that requires the person filling that ...

Cook (Vessel)

Golden Meadow, LA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Responsibilities The cook is responsible for monitoring work environments to ensure safe operations ... A safety-sensitive position is any position on board a vessel that requires the person filling that ...

Vessel Engineering Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$132K - $190K/yr

Operational Management * Verify vessel schedule integrity by monitoring daily performance and identifying potential disruptions. * Approve Port Engineer maintenance plans to align with fleet ...

Vessel Engineering Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$132K - $190K/yr

Operational Management * Verify vessel schedule integrity by monitoring daily performance and identifying potential disruptions. * Approve Port Engineer maintenance plans to align with fleet ...

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Vessel Operations information

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$11

$19

$30

How much do vessel operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel operations in the United States is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced in vessel operations and how can they be managed?

Vessel operations professionals often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules across different time zones, handling unexpected weather delays, and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations. Effective communication with port authorities, crew members, and logistics partners is essential to resolve issues quickly and keep shipments on schedule. Many companies provide ongoing training and utilize advanced software to help streamline operations and minimize disruptions, making adaptability and problem-solving key skills for success in this role.

What are vessel operations?

Vessel operations refer to the management and coordination of activities related to ships or marine vessels, including their navigation, loading and unloading of cargo, maintenance, compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and crew management. Professionals in vessel operations work to ensure that ships run efficiently, safely, and in accordance with international maritime laws. Their responsibilities may also include communicating with ports, coordinating schedules, and handling unexpected issues such as delays or emergencies. This role is crucial in the shipping and logistics industry, ensuring the smooth and timely movement of goods across the globe.

What is the difference between Vessel Operations vs Marine Logistics Coordinator?

AspectVessel OperationsMarine Logistics Coordinator
CertificationsSTCW, Basic Safety TrainingSTCW, Safety & Logistics Certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, port facilitiesOffshore offices, port terminals
Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime firmsLogistics providers, shipping industry
Job FocusManaging vessel movements, safety, complianceCoordinating cargo, scheduling, supply chain

Vessel Operations primarily involves managing the safe and efficient movement of ships, focusing on onboard safety and compliance. Marine Logistics Coordinators handle the planning and coordination of cargo and shipments, often working onshore. While both roles support maritime activities, Vessel Operations is more vessel-centric, whereas Marine Logistics Coordinators focus on logistics and supply chain management within the maritime industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Vessel Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Vessel Operations, you need strong knowledge of maritime regulations, logistics coordination, and shipping procedures, often supported by a degree in maritime studies or related experience. Familiarity with shipping management software, cargo tracking systems, and relevant safety certifications like STCW is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills help professionals manage crews, schedules, and unexpected challenges efficiently. These skills ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective vessel movements, which are critical to the success of shipping operations.
More about Vessel Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Vessel Operations jobs? Cities with the most Vessel Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vessel Operations jobs? The most popular types of Vessel Operations jobs are:
Infographic showing various Vessel Operations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,222 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Vessel Planner

Vessel Planner

ENSTRUCTURE LLC

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Enstructure rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Vessel Planner is responsible for coordinating activities related to vessel operations as follows:

  • Develop and optimize stowage plans to maximize cargo capacity and efficiency, coordinating with stevedores, customers, and vessels. Ensure vessel plan is followed for loading and discharging cargo to assure safety, reduce costs, and maximize stowage.
  • Maintain consistent communication with customer planners, vessels, and operations to optimize the needs to ensure optimization for the yard plan.
  • Work closely and coordinate with terminal operations to ensure timely loading and unloading of containers, maximizing the number of containers scheduled for unloading and re-loading to vessels for departure.
  • Monitor vessel schedules and adjust plan based on port conditions and delays.
  • Advise management of any operational issues that would impact productivity.
  • Communicate with shipping lines and stakeholders to provide updates and resolve issues.
  • Monitor advance planning activities prior to the vessel docking to ensure safe operations, and coordinate and verify that all labor has been gathered for adequate and efficient operations.
  • Analyze data to improve planning processes and enhance operations performance.
  • Ensure that all health, safety, and security protocols are enforced and observed in all Company’s activities to protect the employees and the public.
  • Complies with all applicable laws and relevant industry standards of practice and commits to the continuous improvement of HSSE management practices.
  • Provides strong visible commitment, leadership, and personal involvement in health, safety, security, and the environment and makes available the resources necessary to achieve our HSSE objectives.
  • Ensures activities and duties are consistent with policies on SQF and FSMA.
  • Additional duties as assigned.