You could start by doing a port operative intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Port operative
Alternative titles for this job include Stevedore, passenger operations worker, port worker
Port operatives work with cargo, passengers and marine craft in ports and harbours.
Average salary (a year)
£15,000 Starter
to£25,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
43 to 45 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota
How to become a port operative
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
Direct Application
You could apply directly for cargo jobs if you've got experience in warehouse work, operating mobile cranes or using forklift trucks.
You could also work in passenger operations if you have experience in customer service or travel.
More Information
Further information
You can find out more about working in ports and harbours from Port Skills and Safety.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to operate and control equipment
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- observation and recording skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass a medical check
- have forklift truck driver training for some jobs
Your employer will put you through port safety training.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a port operative or stevedore, your day-to-day duties may include:
- loading and unloading cargo containers, using ship or dockside cranes
- transferring cargoes to storage areas with trailers or forklift trucks
- operating conveyors and pumps for bulk cargoes like grain, coal and oil
As a passenger worker, you could be:
- helping passengers to get on and off boats and ferries
- giving out travel information, like sailing times or weather conditions
- checking travel documents
- directing vehicles to and from parking bays aboard vessels
In marine operations, you would be:
- refuelling vessels
- placing marker buoys in the harbour
- navigating craft and operating VHF radio and radar equipment
Working environment
You could work at a port or at a marina.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Career path and progression
You could be promoted to foreperson or supervisor, and then move on to become a superintendent or operations manager. You might also train to specialise in engineering to maintain the heavy machinery used in ports.
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