Port coordinator
Also known as: port operations supervisor, port operations manager, port terminal supervisor, port operations coordinator, coordinator of port operations, terminal supervisor
About this occupation
Port coordinators manage operations of traffic division for port authorities. They enforce rules and regulations, such as the berthing of ships, handling and storing of cargo, and the use of port facilities. They direct policing and cleaning activities of harbour department land, streets, buildings, and water areas. Port coordinators also ensure that activities concerning revenue are documented and submitted to accounting division. They advise port authorities on rates and revisions of port tariff, and solicit steamship companies to use port facilities. They direct activities concerned with compiling daily and annual ship and cargo statistics.
Essential skills and knowledge
- geographic areas
- physical parts of the vessel
- supervise movement of passengers
- conduct full-scale emergency plan exercises
- ensure compliance with port regulations
- port regulation
- ensure public safety and security
- load cargo onto ships
- manage staff
- supervise movement of crew
- apply safety management
- manage port operations improvement procedures
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (O*NET 11-3071.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials.
- Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities.
- Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
- Plan, organize, or manage the work of subordinate staff to ensure that the work is accomplished in a manner consistent with organizational requirements.
- Collaborate with other departments to integrate logistics with business systems or processes, such as customer sales, order management, accounting, or shipping.
- Analyze all aspects of corporate logistics to determine the most cost-effective or efficient means of transporting products or supplies.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring, Coordination, Writing, Speaking
US median pay: US$107,230 a year (2025), 221,180 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.1)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Logisticians
- Logistics Analysts
- Logistics Engineers
- Supply Chain Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Industrial Production Managers
- Facilities Managers
- Transportation Planners
- Purchasing Managers
- Project Management Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.