What is an Agent?

The USGLSA is an association of vessel agents. An agent represents a vessel's owner or Operator each US port-of-call and takes care of the needs of that vessel and its crew while there. Commonly, the vessel has just sailed from a foreign port and has numerous governmental regulatory requirements which must be met. The agent has a working knowledge of each requirement and stays current as they change – which they often do! A vessel agent can help with any vessel operation and need – whether commercial or private, international or domestic – while in the port(s) they cover. In fact, the vessel agent is the best first call if there are questions about a particular port, terminal, or operation.

Everything about an agent is “local”, The agent understands the local culture, rules and conditions, and interfaces with the local government agency representatives, working to make a port call safe, efficient and productive. A ship agent is on call 24 hours a day when the ship is in port and readying for a visit or finalizing paperwork once it has departed. Being a vessel agent is a unique job and one which can provide the most extraordinary insights to commercial maritime activity in the Great Lakes.