Stevedores, also known as horsemen or ship loaders, are responsible for the safe loading and unloading of cargo from ships. They use cranes and forklifts to move containers and must inspect cargo for damage. Stevedores communicate via radios and must be available 24/7. They do not require higher education but need licenses to operate heavy machinery. The job requires working outdoors and in cargo holds, and good communication skills are essential.
Jobs on the Stevedore are varied, but the number one responsibility in this type of work concerns the safety of cargo and crew. Also called horsemen, ship loaders, and stevedores, stevedores unload cargo from ships entering port and load ships before they leave. These workers manipulate large cranes and forklifts to move huge cargo containers filled with goods.
One of the duties of those who work in stevedores is to attend to all ships that arrive in port. The stevedore helps moor the vessel and assembles a crew to unload the cargo. Every port employs a stevedore, who must be available 24 hours a day, as ships enter and leave at irregular hours.
A common component of stevedore jobs is inspecting the cargo for any damage that may have occurred at sea. It scans the containers and records any breakages to create a permanent record. Once this service is completed, the stevedore organizes and supervises the safe unloading of containers from the ship’s hold.
A group of stevedores typically communicate via portable radios to coordinate the operation of cranes and other heavy equipment. Cargo is transferred from the ship to trains or trucks for transport to warehouses or stores. These containers can house automobiles, pallets of food products, chemicals, or any material that can be transported by sea.
As ships prepare to leave port, the stevedore inspects the cargo to ensure proper load balance. Damage or injury can occur if a large load of goods shifts during bad weather. Longshoremen use ropes and other equipment to secure cargo for safe transport.
Port authorities typically hire stevedores to supervise the loading and unloading of cargo ships. Busier ports provide more work and may require more than one person in this position to handle the work. People who work on stevedores typically don’t need higher education, but they do need to acquire licenses to operate heavy machinery. Many people entering this job market enjoy ships and working outdoors.
Longshoremen must be able to withstand heat, rain and wind. Some of a stevedore’s duties involve working in cargo holds in the belly of a ship. People in this position must be able to work well with others and have good communication skills, as communication is essential to avoid accidents while loading and unloading containers.
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