Boarding Agent

About the role

As a Boarding Agent at the Lake Charles Port Office, you will manage 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 real-time decisions, and ensure each port call is executed safely, efficiently, and without delay.

You will be expected to comply with the GAC Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Policy and HSSE Manual procedures, emphasizing industrial and personal safety and environmental precautions. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a background check, including drug and alcohol screening.

Responsibilities

• Attend to vessels and handle all operational matters in accordance with the guidelines outlined in 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.
• Manage day-to-day vessel operations from pre-arrival through departure and close-out.
• Ensure all regulatory requirements are met and keep customers and stakeholders informed throughout the port call.
• Maintain accurate records, complete documentation, and support billing processes.
• Operate independently, make real-time decisions, and resolve issues as they arise.
• Work in a port environment, including boarding vessels and working outdoors in varying conditions with required PPE.

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 and coordinate with port authorities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate records and complete documentation.
• 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 without waiting for direction.
• 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, or 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: Works 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

This is your chance to become part of the global GAC team, which has been providing professional shipping, logistics, and marine services since 1956. With more than 7,500 colleagues in 300 strategically located offices across over 50 countries, GAC focuses on quality, safety, and sustainability with a human touch.