Boarding Officer

Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) Ltd (ESL), established in 2001 and based in Mombasa, Kenya, is a prominent company operating in the logistics and supply chain sector. They specialize in providing comprehensive shipping and logistics solutions across East Africa.

This exciting opportunity is for a Boarding Officer within the Ships Agency division, based in Mombasa. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring smooth vessel operations and compliance by effectively managing port calls, coordinating with regulatory bodies, and overseeing cargo and husbandry activities. The role requires a detail-oriented and operationally driven professional who can deliver exceptional service to ship owners, masters, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced maritime environment, ensuring all processes adhere to established standards and regulations.

1. Represent the company at KPA information office and port meetings, including declaring ships.
2. Submit manifest copies to KPA, KRA, and other relevant authorities.
3. Liaise with KRA Border Control, CPS, Port Health, Fisheries, KEPHIS, and other statutory bodies for ship clearance.
4. Prepare and issue shore passes for crew members.
5. Address ships' needs and provide assistance to the crew.
6. Ensure prompt inward and outward clearance of vessels.
7. Verify receipt and acknowledgment of invoices and cargo documents before vessel departure.
8. Participate in in-house morning meetings.
9. Prepare fortnightly reports and progress updates for the Head of Department.
10. Confirm the contents of statements of facts (SOF), delivery orders (D.O), and manual manifests.
11. Assist in managing and facilitating vessel boarding by contractors.
12. Arrange and facilitate discharge and loading gangs.
13. Supervise and expedite vessel cargo operations.
14. Handle ships' husbandry requirements.
15. Ensure safe and timely berthing through follow-up with Marine and terminal departments.
16. Arrange necessary equipment like fenders and discharge/loading facilities in advance.
17. Provide support for other office operations as required.
18. Organize police escorts and immigration/customs clearance for firearms embarkation and disembarkation.
19. Notify customs, KMA, and KRA of ship arrivals.

1. Hold a professional qualification in shipping (ICS), supply chain, or logistics.
2. Proficient in all standard office software packages.
3. Possess knowledge of ERP software.
4. Have a minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in ship operations.
5. Be a self-motivated team player.
6. Ability to work effectively under pressure.
7. Demonstrate honesty, reliability, and high integrity.
8. Exhibit strong attention to detail and decision-making skills.
9. Possess negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
10. Strong reporting skills related to operations.
11. Be detail-oriented and operationally driven.
12. Ability to effectively manage vessel port calls.
13. Capability to liaise with regulatory authorities.
14. Skill in coordinating cargo and husbandry activities.
15. Commitment to delivering exceptional service to ship owners, masters, and stakeholders.
16. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced maritime environment.
17. ICMS training and knowledge of the Kentrade system are an added advantage.