Vessel Operator

About this opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Vessel Operations Coordinator – Shipping Agency / Port Agency to join our marine operations team in the UAE. The role is responsible for coordinating vessel operations from pre-arrival stage until sailing, including vessel nominations, ETA follow-up, berth planning, port formalities, husbandry services, crew change coordination, and daily communication with vessel masters, owners, charterers, principals, terminals, port authorities, suppliers, and internal departments. The candidate will be expected to handle daily vessel updates, arrange operational requirements, follow up permits and clearances, coordinate with service providers, support PDA/FDA/DA documentation, and ensure vessel files are properly completed for billing and accounts. Key responsibilities include: - Coordinate vessel operations from nomination / pre-arrival until sailing. - Follow up ETA, ETB, berthing, shifting, unberthing, ETD, and sailing updates. - Arrange pre-arrival documents, port permits, inward/outward clearance, and port formalities. - Coordinate with port authorities, terminals, customs, immigration, coast guard, and relevant departments. - Arrange husbandry services such as crew change, launch boat, transport, hotel, medical, technicians, stores, provisions, spares, bunkering, sludge, and other vessel requirements. - Communicate with vessel masters, owners, charterers, principals, suppliers, sub-agents, and service providers. - Prepare daily vessel updates, operational reports, SOF, arrival/departure reports, and job file documents. - Assist with PDA, FDA, DA supporting documents, port cost follow-up, vendor invoices, and billing support. - Coordinate with accounts, procurement, logistics, and management to complete vessel files on time. - Handle urgent operational matters and provide support outside normal working hours when required. - Minimum 4–5 years of experience in shipping agency, port agency, vessel operations, or marine operations. - Must have hands-on experience in vessel coordination, port formalities, husbandry services, and operational follow-up. - UAE port experience is strongly preferred, especially in Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Dubai Maritime City, Drydocks World, Hamriyah, Khalid Port, Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Mina Saqr, and Ajman Port. - Experience with PDA, FDA, DA, port expenses, vendor invoices, and billing support is an advantage. - Knowledge of crew change, immigration, customs, port clearance, launch boat arrangements, stores/spares delivery, bunkering, and other vessel husbandry requirements. - Familiarity with UAE port systems such as Dubai Trade, PCFC, EHS, port portals, immigration, or customs systems is preferred. - Strong English communication skills, especially professional email communication with masters, owners, charterers, principals, agents, and authorities. - Good follow-up, documentation, reporting, coordination, and problem-solving skills. - Able to work under pressure, handle multiple vessel calls, and respond to urgent operational requirements. - Proficient in MS Office, Outlook, Excel, and daily reporting. - UAE driving license is preferred.