Image of career: Vessel Traffic Operator

Vessel Traffic Operator

Overview

Vessel traffic operators use high-tech radar and radio systems to safely guide big ships through busy straits and ports.

Description

  • Monitor movement of ships using advanced radar, CCTV, and Automatic Identification Systems to prevent collisions in busy waters.
  • Guide cargo vessels safely through narrow channels and direct them to designated anchorage areas or port terminals.
  • Communicate critical information like sudden weather changes, tidal shifts, and navigational hazards to ship captains via VHF radio.
  • Respond instantly to maritime emergencies such as oil spills or vessels in distress, coordinating rescue efforts with Coast Guard or Navy.
  • Enforce strict maritime laws and port regulations to ensure all incoming and outgoing ships operate safely within national waters.

Entry requirements

  • You will need a Diploma in Maritime Studies, Navigation, Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Normal colour vision and clear hearing is a must for reading complex radar charts and communicating over radio.
  • You must pass strict voice communication tests and aptitude assessments.

Salary

$4,900 – 6,300

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports, with over 130,000 vessel calls annually, requiring precise coordination of over 1,000 ships at any given time.

What to expect

This role will require good focus, control over your emotions, and good communication skills. You will be giving life-or-death instructions to sea captains worldwide.

Soft
skills

Sharp Situational Awareness

Able to track multiple moving dots on screens and predict exactly where they'll be in ten minutes to prevent dangerous collisions.

Quick Decision-Making

Able to make quick decisions and give instructions to prevent collisions.

Emotional Control

Able to remain calm and professional during life-threatening maritime emergencies.

Maritime Navigation & Radar Operations

Trained to read complex radar screens, track vessel speeds, and understand detailed electronic nautical charts.

Professional Radio Communication

Trained in using standard marine vocabulary to transmit clear, unambiguous instructions over VHF radio frequencies.

Emergency Response Management

Familiar with activating correct rescue protocols instantly when ships require immediate assistance.

Hard
skills

Lay Ying, Vessel Traffic Operator
"We need a high degree of alertness and decisiveness. We talk to thousands of vessels every day to ensure they transit our port and straits safely."

Lay Ying, Vessel Traffic Operator

MPA Singapore

Frequently asked questions

The concept is similar. Ships move much slower than airplanes but have terrible brakes. Big cargo ships may take several kilometres to stop, so they must anticipate traffic jams and potential collisions much further in advance.

While being a former sea captain definitely helps, it's not mandatory for entry-level roles. Authorities provide intensive training using highly realistic simulators to teach about ship movements before managing real traffic.

They escalate situations immediately. They warn of incoming danger, and if captains still refuse to comply or act recklessly, they may dispatch patrol boats to physically intercept vessels.

Radar screens and digital marine charts use very specific colour codes to indicate shallow waters, dangerous reefs, and different vessel types. If they can't distinguish colours, they might accidentally guide ships into reefs.

It's screen-heavy but highly interactive. They're always talking on radio, updating logs, coordinating with port pilots, and actively solving real-time traffic puzzles to keep ports moving efficiently.