Manx Technology GroupSmart Island
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Vessel Operator

Full TimePermanentNot specifiedAdministration
Posted 15 March 2026Closes 31 March 2026

Job Description

Our client seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Vessel Operator to join their dynamic Operations Department. Role Profile: This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a global leader in bulk vessel shipments. Key Responsibilities: Execute vessel operations efficiently, ensuring voyage schedules, instructions, and documentation are current and accurate. Collaborate with Chartering, Trading, and other teams to manage recaps, voyage instructions, and contractual compliance. Monitor voyages, including ETA/ETB/ETS updates, stowage plans, and bunker supply arrangements. Manage laytime calculations, freight and hire payments, and voyage closure schedules. Maintain professional communications with stakeholders, including vessel owners, charterers, brokers, and agents. Key Skills and Experience: Proficiency in vessel operations with a sound understanding of charter party terms and agreements Around 5 years experience (time charter), in a similar role within a grain trading organization or owner/operator Strong organizational skills to manage data, ensure compliance, and oversee voyage execution details Experience in managing voyage schedules, laytime, and port disbursement accounts Knowledge of marine insurance, including PI and war risk coverage, is a plus. If you have the required skills please apply online at searchandselect.com quoting reference number: 16320

Automation Risk

Automation probabilityi48%
AI exposure (AIOE)i62%

Many core tasks involve routine or semi-structured data management, calculations, and documentation, which are increasingly supported or replaced by specialized maritime software and AI tools. However, the role still requires significant human judgment, stakeholder communication, and real-time decision-making, keeping full automation risk moderate. The AI exposure score is higher due to the strong potential for GenAI and workflow automation to augment document, schedule, and compliance tasks.

Task analysis

  • Monitor and update voyage schedules, ETA/ETB/ETS, and stowage plans to ensure timely vessel operations.
  • Collaborate with Chartering, Trading, and other teams to manage recaps, voyage instructions, and contractual compliance.
  • Manage laytime calculations, freight and hire payments, and voyage closure schedules.
  • Ensure all voyage documentation is current and accurate, including compliance with charter party agreements.
  • Arrange for bunker supply and monitor fuel usage throughout the voyage.
  • Maintain professional communications with vessel owners, charterers, brokers, and agents.
  • Oversee port disbursement accounts and ensure timely settlement of port-related expenses.
  • Monitor and ensure compliance with marine insurance requirements, including PI and war risk coverage.
  • Respond to operational issues or voyage disruptions in real time, making judgment calls as needed.

Automatable AI-assisted Human-only

Occupational Classification

🇬🇧 UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligible
UK SOC2020: 3114Ship and hovercraft officers
O*NET: 53-5021.00 Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
AI analysis: 15 March 2026

UK Salary Benchmark

Office administrative, office support and other business support activities · ONS ASHE 2024 annual earnings

scale £50k
UK sector median
£34,855
UK sector mean
£49,618
£0£13k£25k£38k

👤 For Candidates

AI & future-of-work guidance

🤖 Enhance with AI

  • Automate routine schedule updates with maritime workflow tools
  • Use AI to streamline laytime and freight calculations
  • Leverage Copilot for fast, accurate compliance documentation

📈 Disruption outlook

15%1 yr
35%5 yrs
60%10 yrs

% risk of significant disruption

🎓 Learn now

📚 For full-time, part-time & evening courses on the Isle of Man, visit University College Isle of Man (UCM)

🏢 For Employers

Strategic hiring options & technology alternatives

🔄 Alternatives

🤖 AI AgentVoyage Management AI

Automates ETA/ETB/ETS updates and voyage reporting

💻 TechnologyMaritime ERP Systems

Integrates scheduling, compliance, and payment workflows

🌍 OutsourcingShore-based Operations Centre

Centralises routine calculation and documentation tasks

Recommendation

🔀 Hybrid approach

Human oversight essential; automation best for routine and documentation-heavy tasks

Microsoft Copilot & M365

Copilot for Excel

Automate laytime and freight calculations

Power Automate

Streamline voyage schedule and compliance workflows

Copilot for Word

Generate and check voyage documentation

Key Skills

Attention to DetailAdvancedStakeholder ManagementAdvancedRegulatory ComplianceIntermediateProject ManagementIntermediateData AnalysisIntermediateAdministration and ManagementIntermediateReport WritingIntermediateCritical ThinkingIntermediateClient Relationship ManagementIntermediateVessel OperationsAdvancedCharter Party AgreementsAdvanced

Knowledge Areas

Transportation and LogisticsRegulatory ComplianceRisk ManagementBusiness AdministrationFinance and BudgetingReporting and DocumentationTrust and Company Administration

O*NET Competency Skills

Operation and ControlMonitoringSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingOperations MonitoringComplex Problem SolvingCoordinationManagement of Personnel ResourcesReading ComprehensionActive LearningEquipment MaintenanceInstructingQuality Control Analysis

Alternative Career Paths

Chartering Manager85% match

Oversees vessel chartering activities, negotiates contracts, and manages relationships with shipowners and brokers.

Marine Operations Manager80% match

Leads operational teams in managing fleet performance, compliance, and logistics.

Port Agent75% match

Coordinates vessel port calls, manages documentation, and liaises with port authorities and service providers.

Shipping Analyst70% match

Analyzes shipping markets, vessel performance, and operational data to support decision-making.

Also Consider

🔥 Hot Technologies

In-demand tools for this occupation (O*NET)

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Outlook

Work Activities

General work activities from O*NET

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Getting Information
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Performing General Physical Activities
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  • Training and Teaching Others
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Anthropic Economic Index

Real-world AI adoption data from millions of Claude conversations · Dataset ↗

CC-BY Research

Observed Claude Usage

0%

of conversations

Classic Auto. Risk

27%

Frey & Osborne

Job Zone

-1/5

Extensive prep

O*NET Median Salary

£55k

US ref. $69k · fx 0.79

Occupational family: Transportation and Material Moving

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