Becoming a bridge operator requires knowledge of operating and repairing drawbridges, understanding maritime law, and performing maintenance tasks. On-the-job training and climbing the ladder of expertise is necessary, and strong grades in math and physics can help. The job requires patience and responsibility for the safety of passing boats and cars.
If you want to become a bridge operator, you must learn not only how to operate various types of drawbridges, but also how to repair them and understand maritime law. Most transportation departments have specific levels of expertise, which creates a career path for managing larger and more complex structures. Mastering the world of bridge operations takes many years of training, practice, and hard study.
To become a bridge operator, you must understand all that is required to raise a drawbridge for passing ships. Bridge operators must know what each button and lever on the control panel does to pass electrical warnings that impede road traffic and trains. The operator must also safely raise the bridge and allow boats to pass without incident. Operators lower the bridge properly so that when traffic resumes, vehicles will cross the structure safely.
A bridge operator must also understand how to use ship-to-shore radio equipment in order to communicate with approaching vessels. A strong knowledge of maritime law and how passing ships should handle themselves is also required. From navigation lights to bridge gates, if you want to become a bridge operator, you must also understand the various components of the bridge, detect problems and make simple mechanical and electrical repairs.
Depending on the bridge, if you want to become a bridge operator, you must also perform some less than glamorous tasks. Many bridge operators are required to perform preventative maintenance such as changing light bulbs, routine lubrication and painting. Training operators with less experience can also become part of the routine once you reach a level of responsibility.
There are bridge operator schools available to help you learn these skills. Strong grades in math and physics certainly help speed up your understanding, but on-the-job training is the only way to gain the knowledge you need to one day work your own bridge. The best way to begin understanding bridge dynamics, maritime law and mechanics is to help a bridge operator. There is often no budget for these positions, but offering free work is one way to get your foot in the door. This isn’t profitable, but it’s a great resume builder and can help you take on a low-level role as a bridge operator.
Most countries will have a department of transport to oversee bridge operation, and many will have jobs divided by level of expertise. To become a bridge operator, you must climb this ladder of experience, likely starting with simple one-lane bridges and moving on to more complex, multi-tiered structures. For example, the United States classifies its simplest bridge workers with the title Bridge Operator One. This number increases with bigger and more difficult bridges, and enough time is needed in each position to be promoted. On-the-job training never stops, because with every new structure you work on, you increase your knowledge and understanding of bridges.
Being a bridge operator requires a lot of study and patience at work. There are also many responsibilities at work, because the safety of any passing boat and waiting cars depends on you. If you are challenged by boats and mechanics, operating a bridge could be a job option.
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