Ship Agent

SHIP AGENT

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While a ship is in port, a Ship Agent represents the interests of the ship’s owner or operator, or the cargo’s owner. Click Here

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QUICK LINKS

A ship agent is employed to represent the interests of either the ship’s owner, the ship’s operator, or the cargo’s owner (consignee) while the ship is in port.

What does a ship agent do?

Are you someone who can multi-task in a constantly changing environment while working within tight deadlines?

Are you person with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills?

A ship agent acts to protect the interests of the owner, operator or consignee by providing whatever assistance or advice is required at the port-of-call. A ship agent may be employed:

in a ship owner’s branch office at the port-of-call
at an independent agency and employed to act on behalf of the ship owner or operator.

The ship agent arranges on behalf of their client, all documentation and services relevant to the ship and its cargo. These may include:

booking the vessel in and out of the port, and arranging the pilot and tug boat services
providing information on the crew and any passengers to the department of immigration and citizenship, including who has visas
ensuring that the ship’s documentation complies with international regulations as this will be inspected by Customs when they board the ship
preparing the quarantine pre-arrival report (QPAR) which provides details on the crew, the ship’s previous route and any deaths or illnesses which may have occurred during the voyage
advising Customs of the ship’s arrival and reporting the cargo on board
logistics involved with provisions and fuel
providing the stevedore’s ship planner with the manifest which gives detailed information on the cargo to be handled
liaising with stevedores and terminal operators regarding the safe handling of containers, break-bulk and bulk liquids, and ensuring that the master is well aware of shore requirements and vice versa.

The ship agent is also responsible for organising:

crew changes, any associated immigration documentation and arrangements such as booking flights
paying the crew
ship services including repairs and maintenance.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS & CHALLENGES

Achievements & highlights

This is a role where you will work among machines of a huge magnitude. From ships to cranes you will never fail to be impressed. Each day is different from the next, so there is never any prospect of becoming bored; you always have to think on your feet.

Shipping is a small industry, and as a result you constantly learn to build relationships. It is also an industry that is constantly changing and evolving and as a result that are always opportunities to become involved in the industry bodies and take part in shaping the industry’s future.

Challenges

Being on call when a ship is in port can mean working long hours, so it is important to learn how to manage fatigue. Ships can cost $30,000–$60,000 a day to run, and this is a responsibility you are constantly aware of. You will also on occasion need to exercise your dispute management skills.

QUALIFICATION & ADVICE

Job prospects

A ship agent:

working for a large global company, has the opportunity to work overseas if offered a global transfer when skills reach a suitable level
has the opportunity to progress to state or regional management roles.

What to study at school

Business Studies provides a good background for the strong administrative skills required.
English provides written and oral skills and the reasoning and comprehension skills needed to understand documents and procedures.
IT is invaluable for the range of technologies you will encounter daily.
Maths A provides you with the numeracy skills needed for the calculations you will encounter in this role.
Geography provides you with global physical and environmental knowledge essential to the role.

Training and study

TAFE

Certificate IV Logistics and Supply Chain Principles
Diploma in Logistics Management
Diploma of Maritime and Logistics Management

University

Bachelor of Business (Maritime and Logistics Management)
Bachelor of Business - Global Logistics and Transport
Bachelor of Business – Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Bachelor of Business and Commerce - Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (Logistics)

Gaining experience

Ship agents can come from a variety of maritime and shipping backgrounds. There is no set pathway and you can progress to this position from a range of maritime backgrounds. You could progress to this position by working: