Operations
Functions & Activities
- Operates the Cooperative Vessel Traffic Service (CVTS) along with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg to contact, inform and advise commercial vessels moving through Tampa Bay to ensure safe vessel movements and navigational safety
- Supervises the operations of the port concession operator (Ports America) for contract compliance and performance in all aspects of service within the Port terminals, including berth assignments, cargo operations and terminal and warehouse operations
- Establishes policies, procedures and guidelines for the assignment and effective utilization of Port Tampa Bay owned public berths
- Interprets, explains and enforces regulations and rules on utilization of port facilities and cargo operations
- Coordinates with terminal operators, stevedores, shippers, ship agents and local, state and federal authorities on an as-needed basis to respond to customer needs, resolve disputes and interpret policies and regulations
- Evaluates, interprets and applies Port tariff and tenant lease agreement charges to vessels throughput and processes revenue information for initial billing through the Port Finance Department
- Manages the port’s vessel management program, including data entry and quality control of information needed for vessel billing in accordance with the Port Tariff
- Participates as a member in the Executive Committee of the Tampa Bay Harbor Safety and Security Committee to discuss and resolve issues of mutual interest to the stakeholders in the port community, especially in the areas of navigational safety and port security
- Manages the operation of Port Tampa Bay-owned cruise terminal facilities in compliance with federal, state, local and Port rules and regulations
- Maintains a wharfing department to report on port cargo transitions and recording as well as damages and repairs to Port Tampa Bay property and interests
- Manages personnel operations related to the Port Tampa Bay truck scale
Port Departments
24-Hour Contact Information
The Operations Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the on-duty Operations Officer in the CVTS. See contact info below:
Phone: (813) 241-1886
Email: [email protected]
Fax number: (813) 241-1810
Truck Scale: (813) 241-1710
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If you have questions about any of the subject matter areas listed below, please call the following personnel or offices at the phone number indicated:
- For vessel berth requests, assignments or locations of vessels within the Port Tampa Bay, please call the CVTS watchstander at (813) 241-1886
- For information regarding specific cargo in a certain container or on a certain vessel coming to Tampa, please call the U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officer on Duty at (813) 712-6000, and select option 12.
- For information regarding port maintenance dredging, please call contact Port Tampa Bay Engineering at (813) 905-5003 or the Director of Operations at (813) 241-1806
- For cruise information, please visit our Cruise section for schedules, cruise line phone numbers, websites and parking information. For PTB Cruise Operations, please call (813) 241-1803.
Safety Program and Initiatives
Port Tampa Bay, the largest port in Florida, is a vital maritime hub, crucial to both the regional and national economy. The port has established a comprehensive set of safety initiatives to ensure the protection of the port’s workforce, environmental stewardship, and the economic vitality of the region.
Tampa Bay Harbor Safety & Security Committee (TBHSSC) Established in 1997, the TBHSSC serves as a maritime safety and security advisory organization for the USCG Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector St. Petersburg, and the maritime community. In 2006, the committee expanded its focus to include security. The TBHSSC’s Board of Directors includes representatives from Port Tampa Bay, Port Manatee, Port St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Pilots, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the United States Coast Guard. The committee plays a critical role in advising on safety and security issues within the port.
Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group (PHWAG) Integrated into the TBHSSC in 2007, PHWAG serves as an advisory group to the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port with heavy weather contingency planning. PHWAG’s mission includes reviewing the effectiveness of the Heavy Weather Contingency Plan, advising on risks during storm approaches, and post-storm assessment to facilitate port reopening. The group comprises key stakeholders such as the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, towing companies, Army Corp of Engineers, NOAA and local National Weather Service representatives.
Vessel Movement Committee (VMC) Established in 1998, the VMC is a standing committee under the TBHSSC. It provides maritime expertise and recommendations to the COTP on safe navigation issues in Tampa Bay. The committee meets quarterly and includes representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, pilot associations, NOAA, and other maritime stakeholders.
Tampa Cooperative Safety & Security Initiative (TCSSI) Established in 2006 by the Port Authority and Ports America, the TCSSI enhances safety awareness across Port Tampa Bay. This initiative involves developing a dynamic safety plan accessible to all port users. The TCSSI promotes safety standards, regular safety meetings and events such as the specialty cargo quarterly meetings and annual TCSSI BBQ, and serves as a positive reinforcement tool to avoid regulatory issues and enhance overall safety awareness.
Annual Hurricane Preparedness Tabletop Exercise The port conducts annual exercises to enhance coordination and communication on severe weather preparedness among Port Tampa Bay personnel, PHWAG, USCG, NWS, local agencies, port tenants and other stakeholders. PTB has been recognized by the National Weather Service as the first port in the nation to earn the StormReady designation, underscoring the Port’s strong commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical supply chains during severe weather events.
Safety Summit Port Tampa Bay, in partnership with Tampa International Airport hosts an annual summit which brings together professionals from across the maritime, aviation, and broader transportation sectors to share best practices and foster collaboration on critical topics including safety, security, and operational readiness.