Boarding Agent

Location: New Orleans Port Office | Full-time | Occasional travel to vessels

About the role

The Boarding Agent manages day-to-day vessel operations from pre-arrival through departure and close-out. This includes coordinating with port authorities, terminals, and service providers, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met, and keeping customers and stakeholders fully informed throughout the port call. The role requires strong ownership of each job, including cost awareness, documentation, system updates, and timely job closure. You will operate independently, make decisions in real time, and ensure each port call is executed safely, efficiently, and without delay.

You will comply with the GAC Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Policy and HSSE Manual procedures that emphasize industrial and personal safety and environmental precautions. A background check including drug and alcohol screening will be conducted for shortlisted candidates.

Responsibilities

• Attend to vessels and handle all operational matters in accordance with the GAC Quality Management System.
• Respond to all enquiries and handle operational matters relating to principals and prospective principals.
• Coordinate vessel arrivals with port personnel including pilots, tugs, line handlers, terminal operators, and governmental authorities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; higher education or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Experience in a maritime, shipping agency, port operations, or logistics environment strongly preferred.
• Strong operational mindset — able to manage multiple vessel activities, coordinate with port authorities, and keep jobs moving without delays.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records, complete documentation, and support billing processes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment with changing vessel schedules and priorities.
• Confident communicator — able to work with vessel crews, owners/operators, and port authorities while keeping all parties informed.
• Proactive and solutions-driven — takes ownership of assigned vessel calls and resolves issues as they arise without waiting for direction.
• Willing and able to work in a port environment, including boarding vessels and working outdoors in varying conditions, with required PPE.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; comfortable learning internal systems (e.g., GACAgent).
• Possess a valid TWIC card.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Skills

• Communication: Manage correspondence with port agents, vendors, and clients across multiple time zones and cultures with confidence and accuracy.
• Organizational Skills: Manage multiple vessel calls and client accounts simultaneously without losing track of deadlines, documentation, or follow-ups.
• Problem-Solving: Calm and resourceful when disruptions arise (e.g., delayed vessels, vendor issues, last-minute client requests) and find solutions quickly while keeping all parties informed.
• Adaptability: Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where priorities can shift with little notice.
• Customer Service Orientation: Committed to delivering a responsive, professional experience to clients, understanding that reliability builds long-term relationships.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively across GAC offices, agent networks, and internal teams, contributing to a culture of shared accountability and mutual support.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance