Boarding Agent

Location: Port Everglades - Fort Lauderdale, FL (on-site)

Reports To: Outport Operations Manager

Company: A.R. Savage & Son, LLC, and its sister companies (www.arsavage.com)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Summary

The Boarding Agent serves as the primary on-site representative and point of contact for assigned vessels during the port call process. This includes planning and coordinating each port call, maintaining timely communication among principals, vessel personnel, authorities, terminals, and vendors, and ensuring regulatory, operational, service, and accounting requirements are completed accurately and on time. This position requires exceptional problem-solving, communication, and logistical coordination skills, with the ability to operate independently and resourcefully.

Essential Functions

A.     Coordinate vessel movements and port-call activities and provide timely updates to shipowners, principals, customers, port authorities, terminal personnel, government agencies, vendors, and other appropriate parties.

B.     Prepare and coordinate US Customs & Border Protection entrance/clearance forms

C.     Prepare forms and documentation required by the agency and state and federal authorities.

D.     Serve as the primary liaison among principals, shipowners, vessel personnel, cargo interests, customers, facility management, terminals, authorities, and vendors throughout each port call.

E.      Coordinate crew changes, spare-parts deliveries, transportation, hotel accommodations, immigration clearance, and other vessel husbandry requirements.

F.      Procure and coordinate operational and administrative services for assigned vessels, including pilots, tugs, line handlers, berthing assignments, transportation, deliveries, and other required services.

G.     Ports Board assigned vessels and attend required operational milestones at marine facilities, monitoring each port call through vessel departure.

H.     Exercise high quality vendor service management and cost control

I.        Make required trips to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, immigration offices, terminals, and other locations to ensure arrival and departure requirements are completed by applicable deadlines.

J.       Arrange vessel husbandry services, deliveries, and other operational support required during the port call.

K.      Complete required internal administrative and accounting procedures, including submitting accurate accounting sheets and supporting documentation within three business days after vessel sailing.

L.      Monitor the progress of each assigned port call and promptly resolve operational issues or escalate material concerns with a recommended course of action.

M.   Prepare and submit required customer reports accurately and on time, including arrival reports, initial cargo reports, daily reports, departure messages, statements of facts, and other required updates.

N.     Maintain a complete and organized port-call file containing required correspondence, reports, operational documentation, receipts, and supporting records.

O.     Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

A.      High school diploma or equivalency

B.     Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

C.     Clear and professional written communication skills, with the ability to provide accurate and timely operational updates and reports.

D.     Ability to manage a high volume of electronic communication, both in the office and while mobile in the field.

E.      Strong operational organization and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.

F.      Demonstrated computer knowledge with good typing skills for data entry.

G.     Demonstrated proficiency with current version of Microsoft Office Suite

H.     Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Position requires travel using personal vehicle for company business with mileage reimbursed.

I.        Must possess or be able to pass Federal and State background checks for Transportation Workers

J.       Identification Credential (TWIC) and State of Florida Port Pass.

K.      Demonstrated ownership, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work independently, recommend solutions, and escalate issues appropriately.

L.      Ability to remain adaptable, resourceful, and composed during changing, time-sensitive, or high-pressure vessel operations.

Preferred Qualifications

A.     College courses in business management

B.      Previous experience as a Vessel Boarding Agent

C.      Familiarity with Gatship or other agency software

What We Offer

·        Competitive pay and overtime eligibility

·        Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage

·        401K after 1 year of service and 1,000 hours, with 3% employer contribution

·        Paid Time-Off and Paid Holidays

·        Mileage reimbursements

·        A family-owned culture that values initiative, accountability, and teamwork

·        The chance to make a direct impact on the company’s growth, visibility, and legacy