Operations
The Operations Department at Port Tampa Bay directs and manages various functions and activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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
Operations FAQs
I have questions about my luggage (lost, wrong luggage); who do I talk to?
Port Tampa Bay does not have a lost and found and does not maintain any responsibility for lost or damaged luggage. No luggage is kept in the terminals after a ships’ departure. Please contact your cruise line directly to report a claim.
Is there a place in the terminal to store my luggage?
Because of security restrictions there is no place to store baggage for early arrivals on or before cruise days at any of the terminals. Florida Aquarium (adjacent to Terminal 2) will store luggage for free with the purchase of a discounted ticket for admission. They are located at 701 Channelside Drive.