Marine Boarding Agent

Norton Lilly International•Metairie, LA

About The Position

The Marine Boarding Agent provides operational support to vessels calling at port, coordinating ship-related services and interacting with ship crews, port authorities, vendors, and internal agency teams. The agent boards vessels upon arrival, during port stays, and before departure; represents the company during port calls; and delivers or collects documentation, parcels, crew items, and supplies. The role also coordinates port services, supports vessel clearance and compliance, maintains accurate records, and responds to operational issues and urgent requests. The position combines office-based work with shipboard duties and requires a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, nights, weekends, and some holidays. It involves travel to and from vessels in port, participation in on-call rotations, and working in variable weather and dynamic port environments. Shipboard work may involve confined spaces, moving machinery, hazardous materials, ladders, uneven or slippery surfaces, and elevated or enclosed areas. The agent must follow company HSEQ policies and maritime safety requirements, including PPE use and participation in safety drills, emergency-response training, and safety briefings.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
ASBA Agency Certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), maintained throughout employment.
Reliable transportation and automobile insurance in accordance with state requirements.
Possess or be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within 90 days of hire.
Ability to safely board vessels using gangways, ladders, or launches.
Ability to work in variable weather conditions and dynamic port environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
Demonstrated customer service skills, with responsiveness, professionalism, and solution-oriented support.
Availability for a flexible schedule based on business needs, including days, nights, weekends, and some holidays, and travel to and from vessels in port.
Ability to lift and carry equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.
Ability to comply with maritime safety regulations and company protocols, and to participate in safety drills, emergency-response training, and regular safety briefings.

Nice To Haves

College coursework in business, management, maritime studies, or a related field.
Prior experience in marine agency services, port operations, or maritime operations.

Responsibilities

Board assigned vessels upon arrival, throughout port stays, and prior to departure to provide agency support.
Serve as the company's official representative during vessel port calls.
Deliver and collect ship documentation, parcels, crew items, and required supplies to and from vessels.
Coordinate port services, including pilots, tugs, bunkers, provisions, transportation, and vessel repairs when required.
Communicate with ship masters, vessel crews, and internal operations teams about port requirements and operational issues.
Liaise with port authorities, terminal operators, stevedores, customs, immigration, and other regulatory agencies to support vessel clearance and service execution.
Visit U.S. Immigration and Customs offices as required to submit and retrieve vessel-related documentation.
Build and maintain working relationships with vessels, shipping lines, and third-party service providers.
Respond promptly to urgent operational needs, including after-hours requests, and participate in on-call rotations, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Handle sensitive ship papers, customs forms, crew lists, permits, and other documentation.
Ensure compliance with port regulations, customs requirements, applicable safety standards, port security requirements, and company safety procedures.
Maintain accurate records of vessel operations and complete required filings in accordance with regulatory and company requirements.
Identify and respond to operational issues, delays, or emergencies, escalating matters when necessary.
Prepare, process, and submit governmental and agency documents, secure necessary approvals, and maintain proper records.
Provide professional, courteous, responsive service to shipmasters, crew members, and clients, representing the agency with professionalism, integrity, and reliability.
Abide by company HSEQ policies and procedures; perform additional duties as assigned.