Thanks for all the replies.

Correct me if I'm wrong but does Singapore have a different definition from the following?

SHIP'S HUSBAND, mar. law. An agent appointed by the owner of a ship, and invested with authority to make the requisite repairs, and attend to the management, equipment, and other concerns of the ship he is usually authorized to act as the general agent of the owners, in relation to the ship in her home port.
2. By virtue of his agency, he is authorized to direct all proper repairs, equipments and outfits of the ship; to hire the officers and crew; to enter into contracts for the freight or charter of the ship, if that is her usual employment; and to do all other acts necessary and proper to prepare and despatch her for and on her intended voyage. 1 Liverm. on Ag. 72, 73; Story on Ag. Sec. 35.

Does experience in ops roles not open some doors into the brokering line?

Why do you say so? And if so, what paves the way?

any idea about the increment in salary or bonus for shipping industry? which role would command the highest salary in the long run?

What types of shipping industry? There are container shipping, ship building, dry bulk, etc. if you are talking about container shipping, the industry is still experiencing from over capacity and depressing freight rate. limited growth opportunity in the near term (5yrs)... u can look at listed company like RCL, NOL, Singapore Shipping Corporation Ltd and see how hey have been performing to get an idea on whether the shipping line is still making huge profit... with lower profit or even loss, dun expect high increment or bonus, budget will be cut aggressively. btw I am wrking in finance in one of the biggest liner company in the world. If you ask me, network planning team/string owner seems better remunerated than other function. For me, annual increment is approximate 8%.