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Vessel Traffic Service Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wheelman

Gray, LA ยท On-site

Based in South Louisiana, D&S Marine Service is a family owned and operated inland marine ... Uses radio communication and vision to navigate waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic.

In addition to emergency response work, the operator will assist with routine vessel line handling, environmental and industrial service projects. This position requires a strong commitment to safety ...

Maintain radio watch as required and utilize radio communication and visual navigation to safely maneuver waterways, docks, locks, and other vessel traffic. * Represent Turn Services professionally ...

Wheelman

Houston, TX ยท On-site

Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears ... Consider many conditions, including weather, vessel and waterway characteristics, traffic, and the ...

Wheelman

Houston, TX ยท On-site

Navigate vessel safely by properly operating navigational controls, propulsion, engines, gears ... Consider many conditions, including weather, vessel and waterway characteristics, traffic, and the ...

... traffic, and related hazards. Responsibilities Installs, tests, and calibrates water meters of ... Provides training and guidance to Field Service Operator 1 staff. Operates and maintains AMR/AMI ...

Dispatcher

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

... service or equipment. * Monitors and reviews vessel traffic for status accuracy and identifies potential problems and deviations from daily plans. * Recognizes and reports real-time business ...

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Vessel Traffic Service Operator information

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$27

How much do vessel traffic service operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for vessel traffic service operator in the United States is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Traffic Service Operator, you need strong situational awareness, maritime knowledge, and typically a background in marine operations or coast guard training. Familiarity with radar, VHF radio communication, AIS systems, and specialized vessel traffic management software is essential. Excellent communication, decision-making, and stress management skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently with vessels and emergency services. These competencies are critical to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of maritime traffic, preventing accidents, and protecting marine environments.

What are Vessel Traffic Service Operators?

Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Operators are maritime professionals responsible for monitoring and managing the movement of ships within designated waters, such as harbors, ports, and coastal areas. They use radar, radio communications, and computer systems to ensure safe navigation, prevent collisions, and coordinate vessel traffic. VTS Operators provide vital information and instructions to ship captains, respond to emergencies, and help enforce maritime regulations. Their role is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of busy waterways.

What are some common challenges faced by Vessel Traffic Service Operators and how are they typically addressed?

Vessel Traffic Service Operators often face challenges such as managing high volumes of maritime traffic, responding to emergencies, and maintaining clear communication with vessels of various nationalities and languages. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous training, adherence to standardized protocols, and the use of advanced radar and communication technologies. Operators also work closely with port authorities, pilots, and emergency response teams to ensure the safety and efficiency of vessel movements within their jurisdiction.

What is the difference between Vessel Traffic Service Operator vs Marine Radio Operator?

AspectVessel Traffic Service OperatorMarine Radio Operator
Required CertificationsVTS certification, maritime safety trainingMarine radio license, communication certifications
Work EnvironmentControl centers, port areas, maritime traffic zonesShip decks, radio stations, maritime communication hubs
Employer & Industry UsagePorts, maritime authorities, coast guardShipping companies, maritime communication providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Vessel Traffic Service Operators manage and monitor maritime traffic within designated areas, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Marine Radio Operators handle communication via radio on ships or at ports. Both roles require maritime communication skills, but VTS Operators focus more on traffic coordination and safety management.

More about Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs? Cities with the most Vessel Traffic Service Operator job openings:
What states have the most Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Vessel Traffic Service Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Vessel Traffic Service 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, with an average salary of $40,463 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Moran Towing Corporation (www.morantug.com) has an opportunity available for a Vessel Coordinator, based in Jacksonville, FL. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position reporting to the Regional Vice President, Southeast.

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider of commercial ship docking services, marine transportation, LNG support operations, environmental recovery, and commercial diving services. While economies, cultures, markets, and technology will always continue to evolve, our steadfast commitment to partnering with our employees and customers to solve our customers' marine requirements has enabled us to stay the course year after year.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vessel Coordinator schedules and coordinates tug and crew movements in support of port operations. The Vessel Coordinator uses discretion and independent judgment while working closely with the individual port's staff members (i.e. General Managers, Operations Managers), tug crews, customers, agents, and docking pilots, as applicable, to effect the safest, most timely and advantageous use of company equipment and crews. Responsibilities include matching tug capabilities to the needs of the vessel assisted by using phone, radio and computer communications to efficiently and accurately transmit assignments. This position requires the ability and willingness to work different hours of the day or night, weekends, and overtime days/hours as business needs require.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, but are not limited, to the following:

Facilitate the communication of information between tug and shoreside personnel, including transmitting orders, gathering vessel traffic information, and coordinating dockside activities.
Prepare and communicate daily position reports to customers and management, along with any other pertinent information related to vessel activities or customer-specific requirements.
Allocate company resources e.g. tugs, pilots, and crews, etc., to jobs based on the safest and most efficient service.
Assist in supporting vessel requests from Operations personnel.
Coordinate the movement of tugs with forecasted jobs to meet Moran and customer requirements while confirming that crew regulatory work hour limitations are maintained.
Review vessel traffic for status accuracy and potential problems and report same.
Confer with customers and/or agents, docking pilots, and appropriate crew and shoreside personnel in order to address questions, problems and requests for service or equipment.
Service customers using available outside resources when required, including hiring outside contractors to meet customer needs when internal personnel are unavailable.
Record and maintain files and records of customer requests, work or services performed, charges, expenses, inventory, and other reported information.
Maintain a "safety first" posture and promote safety compliance through example.
Promptly report any incidents as per OPPM and all accidents or emergencies to applicable emergency response personnel and to relevant management.
Use knowledge of tug capabilities and port/berth characteristics to develop and execute solid plans based on the daily needs of the port.
Monitor the day's activities and make management aware of deviations from daily plan and of business opportunities.
May review invoices and/or re-bills and be responsible for inputting into Helm.
May prepare daily work sheet for scheduled vessel movements; document schedule changes as they occur.
May coordinate fuel/lube purchases for tugs.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum High School Diploma.
Demonstrated good computer proficiency in keyboarding and with Microsoft Office programs, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Excellent customer service skills and a courteous demeanor.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to:

  • Be self-motivated - a self-starter.
  • Plan and organize work and manage multiple priorities.
  • Work accurately and efficiently with an eye to detail.
  • Evaluate information and make sound decisions.
  • Use good judgment about when to handle an issue independently vs. when to ask for help.
  • Work well independently and as a team player.
  • Ability and willingness to work different hours of the day or night, weekends, and overtime days/hours as business needs require.
  • Prior marine and/or coordination experience a definite asset.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time; Frequently walk; frequently reach with hands and arms; possess finger dexterity for handling paper and typing; occasionally crouch and stoop; occasionally lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds; speak clearly, hear and see accurately (close vision and color vision)

In Return, We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Career development opportunities
  • Team-oriented work environment
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
  • Generous 401(k) Plan with employer non-elective, matching, and discretionary contributions
  • Company paid Financial Advice Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Paid Vacation based on years of service

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

Moran Towing Corporation offers generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive salaries based on geographic location. Our target pay range for the Vessel Coordinator position is $65,000 -$75,000 per year. This pay range represents Moran's commitment to pay transparency and is a reasonable estimate of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. The final salary for this role will be determined based on careful consideration of a variety of factors, such as the candidate's exact location, experience, and expertise related to the qualifications.

Moran Towing Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.