Port operative Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a port operative you would work in three main areas: stevedoring, passenger operations and marine operations.

As a stevedore you would work on vessels like container ships and roll-on/roll-off ferries. Your duties would include:

• loading and unloading cargo or containers, using ship or dockside cranes
• transferring cargoes to storage areas with trailer wagons or forklift trucks
• operating conveyor equipment and suction pumps for bulk cargoes like grain, coal and oil
• maintaining lifting equipment and machinery.

As a passenger operative at a ferry port or cruise terminal, you would:

• help passengers to get on and off the ship
• load and unload luggage
• give out travel information, such as sailing times or weather conditions
• check travel documents
• direct vehicles to and from their parking bays aboard the vessel.

In marine operations, you would work with small craft ranging from rowing boats to pilot launches. Your duties could include:

• transferring passengers and crew to ships moored offshore
• refuelling vessels
• placing marker buoys in the harbour
• cleaning up after pollution incidents
• navigating the craft and operating VHF radio and radar equipment (usually under supervision).

In smaller ports or leisure marinas, you may combine these three areas in one job.

Hours

Your average working week would be about 40 hours on a shift system, covering seven days a week. Overtime may be available.

The work can be physically tough, with a lot of lifting, and you may have to work at heights.

Income

• Starting salaries can be around £12,000 a year
• Experienced operatives can earn between £12,500 and £20,000.
• Skills allowances, shift and overtime payments can increase earnings to around £25,000.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements, but you would have to pass a medical examination at the interview stage. Employers may expect you to have a driving licence, and normal colour vision is essential.

To work as a stevedore, previous experience of operating cranes, forklift trucks or driving lorries may help you find employment. Engineering experience could be helpful for carrying out basic maintenance.

To be a marine operative, you may need sea survival, fire fighting and boat handling certificates. Some basic experience with small marine craft and radio communications would be useful. You could contact local marinas about courses, or find training providers on the Royal Yachting Association website.

• Royal Yachting Association

For passenger operations, you would need good customer service skills and to enjoy working with people. Foreign language skills may also be useful.

You may be able to get into this career after completing an Apprenticeship in this field. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

Training and development

When you start work, you would normally receive training from your employer, covering:

• operating equipment
• understanding signalling instructions
• forklift truck driving
• health and safety.

As a passenger operative, you would be trained in customer service; and as a marine operative, you would cover sea survival and boat handling.

You could work towards an NVQ in Port Operations at Level 2, which has options in:

• Stevedoring
• Marine Operations
• Passenger Operations
• General Port Operations
• Team Leading.

Depending on your level of responsibility, you could also take the Level 3 NVQ in Supervision of Port Operations.

Skills and knowledge

• good fitness levels
• good practical skills
• an awareness of safe working practices
• the ability to follow instructions and explain them to others
• good teamworking skills
• a willingness to work flexibly.

More information

Port Skills & Safety Ltd
4th Floor Carthusian Court
12 Carthusian Street
London
EC1M 6EZ
Tel: 020 7260 1790
www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk

British Ports Association
www.britishports.org.uk

Associated British Ports
www.abports.co.uk

Opportunities

Typical employers include port authorities, private cargo handling companies and marinas. As ports become more mechanised, with companies loading cargo into containers at their own premises, demand for crane operators and forklift truck drivers is increasing.

For vacancy information, contact a port authority, or companies and marinas directly. Companies are listed on the websites for the British Ports Association and Associated British Ports.

• British Ports Association
• Associated British Ports

With experience, you could be promoted to foreperson or supervisor, and then work your way up to superintendent or operations manager.