Ship Broker
Nature of the Work
As a Trainee Shipbroker, you will act as an intermediary between shipowners and charterers or the buyers / sellers of ships. Your key function will be to arrange the ocean transport of goods and commodities by sea, the employment of vessels, or to buy and sell ships on behalf of clients. You will be expected to provide clients with a wide range of market intelligence and advice.

Fundamentally a sales position, a typical project may require you to:
• Initiate a business deal to potential clients
• Negotiate the terms of a contract or sale
• Finalize the details of the contract
• Follow the deal through to its conclusion

Typical employers include:
• Shipbroking firms
• Major shipping companies that employ in-house shipbrokers

Working Conditions
Working hours can be irregular but remuneration is competitive and attractive. You may be required to travel as shipbroking is a global and dynamic business.

Qualification, Training and Advancement
Companies are generally willing to recruit people who are new to shipbroking, including those who may not possess shipping-related qualifications, as much of the knowledge and experience can be acquired on the job.

Nonetheless, shipping-related business degree modules are available in many established universities in Singapore and overseas.  The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers also offers professional qualifications in this area.

A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Junior/Trainee Broker -> Broker -> Senior Broker -> Management position

Personal characteristics & Core competencies
• You should possess the following key traits:
• Positive attitude
• Keen, flexible and analytical mind
• Able to work under stress and adhere to tight deadlines
• Excellent people engagement in order to build a global network of contacts
• Strong commercial acumen and a dynamic personality to plan, work and deliver
• An ethical and professional code of conduct in handling confidential information and closing deals

Job availability
Shipbroking has seen significant growth in the past 5 to 10 years both locally and globally. Shipbrokers are in high demand as more ship owners/operators establish their operations base in Singapore.

Earnings
Starting basic pay ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, along with an attractive commission structure.  Depending on performance, competitive bonuses can also be expected.