Ships Agent

A ship that sits in port makes no money. Also, ship owners, managers, and charterers cannot be present every time their ship docks at port. At the same time, a vessel in port is an incredibly important and costly aspect of the ocean transport process.

Solution? Ships Agents. They make sure that the vessel completes her operations promptly and that no delays are incurred, resulting in a costly exercise for the owners or charterers.

There is where you come in. Do you want to be our local expert who acts as a representative of ship owners, managers, or charterers and carries out all the necessary duties and obligations required by the vessel's owner or crew? Apply now!

Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for the ship's master (captain), owners, and principles, providing real-time updates on the vessel’s status and any issues.
• Handle inquiries from ship owners and charterers, ensuring their requests are addressed promptly.
• Serve as a liaison between the vessel and relevant port authorities, ensuring smooth communication and coordination.
• Arrange the berthing and sailing of vessels efficiently, ensuring all necessary clearances and approvals are obtained in time.
• Coordinate with subcontractors, such as stevedores, ship suppliers, local vendors, port authorities, and terminal operators to facilitate the vessel’s smooth arrival, stay, and departure.
• Attend the vessel upon arrival, during its stay, and before departure, managing tasks like customs and immigration clearances for crew and cargo.
• Manage logistics for crew members (on-signers/off-signers) including visa, hotel, and transportation.
• In addition to operational duties, contribute to the development and growth of revenue in the port office by identifying and developing commercial opportunities within S5's current business activities.
• Explore and report new business opportunities beyond current operational activities, focusing on expanding services offered to existing clients and attracting new customers.

What do you need to succeed in this role?

ADAPTABILITY​: A good ships agent must adapt to the constant changes that happen within this particular part of the shipping process. As a great agent, you can pivot from executing a well-planned operation to doing something completely unexpected. You must also continue to be flexible as you work out multiple, inevitable changes in variables of the operations performed. No port call will be the same as the others, with each offering different challenges and specificities.

ANALYTICAL: The ability to document activities well is a vital part of being a great ship's agent. Since the agent is the "go-to" person for any situation that may arise, you continuously deal with proper documentation systems from immigration to port authorities, to ordering provisions for the crew.

PEOPLE SKILLS: It is pertinent that you have high-level interpersonal skills and enjoy engaging with other people and cultures. As agent you will interact with all different nationalities.

PASSION FOR MARITIME​: Finally, you must love the maritime industry. Part of this job is understanding that a ships agent operates on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week availability schedule. While being a shipping agent is not a typical "9 to 5" job and may be grueling at times, it can also be highly fulfilling and rewarding. You must be passionate about this industry to thrive in this highly-pressurized atmosphere.

Education

· Mid-level training completed, preferably shipping-related;

· Nautical background;

· Communicative skills in the English language (spoken and written);

· In possession of a drivers’ license.

Who are we?

S5 is a leading Global Port Agency delivering services through more than 360 port offices. We provide one stop solution for charterers, ship managers and ship owners/operators. Ships and the ship’s captain approach us to make sure that proper mooring areas are allotted to the ship and all the pertaining documents are ready and adequately taken care of. Additionally, port agencies also mention all minor and major aspects about the charges of customs and all other government procedures required to be fulfilled by the captain of the ship. With our help, a ship’s owner can relax and be free of all tensions and be completely assured that the normal and routine course of his business will not get disrupted at any point of time.

Our established presence in a competitive market place has been built on our reputation and ability to tailor our process driven products to meet our clients specific and evolving requirements.

Why work for us?

S5 Agency World provides a strong foundation where you can build your career. We offer a progressive and vibrant work environment and wide range of career opportunities. S5 Agency World is dedicated to promoting personal growth, encouraging innovative thinking, and cultivating diversity.

Inclusion and Diversity

S5 Agency World is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of our company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.