Harbor Worker

Alternate Titles

Longshoremen, shipyard worker, rigger, and dock worker.

Brief Job Description

Harbor workers prepare docks in harbors or ports for incoming ships and secure ships to moorings. Harbor workers make sure loading plans are executed properly and keep accurate records of loaded, unloaded, or misplaced goods and equipment. 

Education and Training Level Description

Harbor workers do not require any formal education. These positions mostly receive on-the-job training. Employers may offer apprenticeships to those who have no relevant work experience but are physically and mentally capable of this demanding job. Employers often value applicants with a forklift certification or prior work experience in a warehouse. Although there are no basic educational requirements for this position, the employee should have basic mathematics and reading skills.

Job Profile

Harbor workers prepare docks in harbors or ports for incoming ships and secure ships to moorings. Harbor workers make sure loading plans are executed properly and keep accurate records of loaded, unloaded, or misplaced goods and equipment. Harbor workers must be aware of and uphold safety measures on the docks. Being a harbor worker is also a physically demanding job. Workers must have the strength and stamina to lift cargo and work with heavy machinery over long hours.

Harbor workers typically:

• Install the gangway to receive incoming ships
• Ensure that all safety and cleanup equipment is maintained in good condition and working order
• Securing ships by tying them to the moorings
• Load and unload cargo using suitable material-handling equipment, such as forklifts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, cranes, power winches, and grain trimmers
• Inspect unloaded cargo for any damages or irregularities
• Tally unloaded cargo and log information into spreadsheets required by management
• Communicate with other harbor workers, using handheld radios, to ensure the safe loading and unloading of cargo
• Ensure that the dock areas are clean and free of debris to prevent accidents and injuries.

Job Skills

Harbor workers typically need:

• Hand-eye coordination. Harbor workers need to be cautious while loading or unloading device components onto a vessel and stay aware of their surroundings.
• Physical strength. Harbor workers need good physical stamina to handle loading and unloading.
• Visual abilities. Harbor workers must pass a vision test to ensure they can safely handle devices and cargo.

More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on harbor worker jobs, see: 

• Better Team: Dock Worker Job Description
• ZipRecruiter: What Is a Dock Worker and How to Become One

Resources

• ZipRecruiter: Harbor Worker