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Vessel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Vessel Welder

Houston, TX

$27.50 - $30/hr

Vessel Welder This role focuses on welding and fabricating large storage tanks, spheres, and water ... Skill in operating an overhead crane safely in a heavy industrial environment. * Experience working ...

Aerotek

Vessel Welder

Houston, TX · On-site

$27.50 - $30/hr

Vessel Welder This role focuses on welding and fabricating large storage tanks, spheres, and water ... Skill in operating an overhead crane safely in a heavy industrial environment. * Experience working ...

Stand-By Personnel

Vessel Welder

Catoosa, OK

$23/hr

We are seeking a skilled Vessel Welder to join our team in Catoosa, OK ... This position requires expertise in setting up and operating advanced welding equipment to produce ...

Stabbert Maritime

Vessel Manager

Seattle, WA

Manage vessel budgets, track budget-to-actuals, and report daily and monthly operating costs. * Organize and support pre-project Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA). * Assist in ...

Stabbert Maritime

Vessel Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

Manage vessel budgets, track budget-to-actuals, and report daily and monthly operating costs. * Organize and support pre-project Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA). * Assist in ...

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All JobsVessel Operator Jobs

Vessel Operator information

What Does a Vessel Operator Do?

A vessel operator oversees various aspects of a ship’s operations including voyage planning, crew management, payments, and paperwork. As a ship operator, your job duties include holding meetings with stevedores, contractors, agents, and crew members; preparing productivity reports; identifying ways to increase productivity; arranging necessary service or maintenance; and handling bills of lading, letters of indemnity, and manifests. You must be a good problem solver, able to handle a variety of tasks. As a vessel operator, you may work on a cargo ship, tanker, or another type of vessel.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Operator, you need a solid understanding of maritime regulations, vessel logistics, and port operations, often supported by relevant maritime certifications or a degree in maritime studies. Familiarity with vessel tracking systems, shipping management software, and international documentation processes is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with crews, clients, and authorities. These competencies ensure efficient vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and safe, timely movement of cargo in the maritime industry.

What are some common challenges a Vessel Operator faces when coordinating shipments, and how can these be managed effectively?

Vessel Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected port delays, last-minute changes to cargo manifests, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across different time zones. Effective management involves proactive communication with agents, shippers, and crew, as well as closely monitoring vessel schedules and operational updates. Utilizing digital tools for real-time tracking and maintaining strong relationships with port authorities can also help resolve issues quickly and keep shipments on track.

What is the difference between Vessel Operator vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectVessel OperatorMarine Deckhand
Required CertificationsSTCW certifications, licenses for vessel operationSTCW certifications, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentBridge or control room, vessel operationDeck, exterior of vessel, cargo handling
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, maritime industryMaritime, fishing, cargo transport
Job FocusNavigation, vessel control, safetyDeck maintenance, cargo, mooring

While both roles are essential in maritime operations, Vessel Operators focus on navigating and controlling vessels, requiring specific licenses and certifications. Marine Deckhands assist with deck work, cargo, and maintenance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the maritime industry.

What are vessel operators?

Vessel operators are professionals responsible for managing the daily operations of ships or vessels, ensuring they run efficiently and safely. Their duties include coordinating shipping schedules, communicating with ports and cargo handlers, monitoring compliance with maritime regulations, and handling any issues that arise during voyages. Vessel operators play a key role in the logistics and shipping industry, working closely with ship owners, crew, and logistics partners to oversee cargo movements and maintain optimal vessel performance.
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Vessel Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vessel Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist

Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist

AIS, Inc.

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulation ns as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist to support NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center's (SEFSC) Harvesting Unit.
Primary Function:
This role serves as a senior technical specialist and vessel operator, responsible for maintaining and operating Class III research vessels, supporting survey cruises, and providing advanced expertise in fishing gear construction, deployment, and evaluation. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Construct, maintain, and repair selective fishing gear, including TEDs and BRDs, for use in research and training activities
  • Provide technical expertise and support for fisheries research projects and gear evaluations
  • Support Mississippi Laboratories survey cruises through at-sea operations and gear deployment
  • Operate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missions
  • Ensure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthiness
  • Safely manage vessel navigation, cargo handling, deck operations, and onboard equipment
  • Maintain inventory of vessel supplies and support overall vessel logistics
  • Assist with small boat operations and general equipment maintenance
  • Conduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gear
  • Provide training to marine law enforcement on inspection and compliance procedures for regulated fishing gear
  • Prepare reports documenting outreach, training, and operational activities
  • Support general unit operations, including warehouse maintenance and equipment organization

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in net construction and repair within a commercial fishery or net shop environment
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as Captain of a research or commercial fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipment
  • Current U.S. Coast Guard Master's License (100-ton or greater)
  • Demonstrated proficiency reading and interpreting fishing gear schematics and construction diagrams
  • Valid driver's license
  • Advanced vessel operations and navigation capability in research and field environments
  • Strong technical expertise in fishing gear systems and construction techniques
  • Ability to lead safe and efficient vessel and deck operations
  • Effective communication skills for training and operational coordination

Ability to obtain and maintain:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack), if not already held
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Ability to meet all NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction methods
  • Experience delivering technical training and hands-on demonstrations
  • Small boat operation certifications (e.g., fast rescue boat)
  • Knowledge of federal fishing gear regulations and compliance requirements

Travel:
  • Travel Estimated: 40-50% (regional travel across Gulf of Mexico states, including offshore survey cruises, regional outreach activities, and training events).

Location:
  • 3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, MS, 39567- Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Pascagoula Laboratory

Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  • 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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