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Are you looking to build a career in the maritime sector? We're recruiting for a Trainee Shipping Agent to join our clients busy port operations team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is organised, confident, and eager to learn the world of shipping agency work.
Purpose of the Role
You'll be the key link between vessels, authorities, and port services-helping to ensure smooth and safe port calls. This is an admin-focused position with a strong operational element, so you'll learn the ropes across documentation, vessel liaison, port procedures, and maritime regulations.
You'll also be interacting directly with Masters and vessel crew, so you'll need confidence communicating with people at every level-from stevedores to ship captains.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting the Port Agency team with tasks including:
- Booking vessels in/out of port and arranging pilotage/tug services
- Preparing and submitting port, customs and immigration documentation
- Assisting with vessel husbandry and crew arrangements
- Liaising with port authorities, stevedores, and terminal operators
- Supporting Masters and crew during port calls
- Preparing manifests, vessel reports and operational documentation
- Arranging logistics including fuel, provisions and repairs
- Preparing financial reports and vessel call documentation
From organising crew changes to submitting pre-arrival reports, you'll learn every aspect of what it takes to professionally manage a vessel call.
Who we're looking for
Ideally you will have:
- Experience in a shipping or maritime role OR
- Understanding of port operations (Port Ops experience is a strong advantage)
You'll also need:
- Strong administration and organisation skills
- Good attention to detail
- Confident communication style
- Ability to work in a fast-moving environment
What you'll gain
You'll receive hands-on training across all port agency functions including:
- Port entry requirements
- Customs & immigration processes
- Maritime documentation
- Safety and compliance procedures
- Direct vessel liaison
- Operational reporting
This is a structured development role where you'll build toward managing vessel calls independently.
Interested?
If you're organised, confident around people, and excited by maritime operations, we'd love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to step into the shipping sector and build a long-term career in port agency
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About Us
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.
