CSR Agency UK | Bespoke Educational Social Impact Courses
Key Responsibilities
• Loading and unloading cargo: Safely moving objects between ships, or on and off of ships at the port.
• Securing cargo: Tying down cargo and making sure it is safely loaded onto the ship.
• Following safety protocols: Using protective gear and following regulations to ensure team safety.
• Operating machinery: Possibly having to operate machinery such as winches, hoists, or forklifts.
• Documentation: To maintain records of cargo handled, as well as to report any issues.
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Salary Range
Entry-Level
Experienced
Essential Skills
• Physical strength: Being physically fit and strong enough to move cargo on and off of ships.
• Good coordination and teamwork: Working and communicating with a team to efficiently move cargo around.
• Spatial awareness: Understanding how cargo fits and is arranged on the ships, as well as an awareness of what is around you to avoid accidents.
• Safety knowledge: Knowledge of maritime safety procedures and regulations.
• Attention to detail: Ability to handle cargo carefully and to notice any damage or problems.
Qualifications and Training
GCSEs in English and Maths are typically preferred but formal qualifications are not always needed, especially for entry-level roles.
On the job training, most stevedores are trained on the job by employers and starts with basic cargo handling and safety procedure.
Look for dock worker or port operative apprenticeships; these combine work and training, and lead to qualifications.
RTITB Forklift truck certification for forklift usage, CPCS crane operator license for crane usage, IOSH or NEBOSH certifications for health and safety, port security clearance is often required but this is usually handled by employers.
Training Providers in the UK
• DLT Training: In Bridgend, provides courses in forklift operation, health and safety and other essential skills https://dlt-training.com/
• Port training services - UK-wide: Offers a level 2 certificate in Stevedoring essentials, they also offer apprenticeships and diplomas related to port operations http://porttrainingservices.co.uk
• The Construction Hub Academy – South Wales: Is a NPORS and CPCS-accredited training provider, offering courses on forklifts and cranes https://tchaw.co.uk/
Employment Opportunities in the UK
• Associated British Ports: Manages multiple ports in South Wales, including Newport Port, Cardiff Port, Barry Port and Port Talbot https://www.abports.co.uk/
• Milford Haven port: One of the UK's largest energy ports, handles oil, gas and other bulk cargo http://www.mhpa.co.uk/
• Tarmac: Operating at Port Talbot, they handle aggregates and construction materials and employ stevedores https://www.tarmac.com/