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Waterside Worker

Also known as Docker, Stevedore and Wharf Labourer.

Waterside workers stack, check and secure contents of shipping containers prepared for storage or dispatch.

Waterside workers usually work outdoors in ports, container terminals and the holds of ships.

They work in most weather conditions, except very strong winds, and may have to work with frozen or dangerous goods, in freezers or in dusty conditions.

They usually work shifts involving nights, weekends and public holidays.

TASKS

Waterside workers may perform the following tasks:

pack and unpack containers, open and close hatches and secure cargo to prevent it shifting during voyages
clean holds and containers and prepare stevedoring (ship-loading) gear
operate a wide range of light and heavy machinery, including forklifts, skid-steer loaders, front-end loaders and a variety of cranes
perform a wide range of clerical duties such as recording and checking cargo on arrival, storage or dispatch
direct equipment operations using various types of communication systems
moor and unmoor ships on arrival and departure
stack cargo on pallets, trays, flats and slings to facilitate transfer to and from ships
operate and perform minor maintenance checks on forklifts, trucks, front-end loaders and fixed or mobile cranes
act as team leader for a wharf or on-ship work team

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
able to work in a team
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
capable of lifting and carrying heavy items
good communication and organisational skills
able to follow instructions

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a waterside worker without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a waterside worker through a traineeship in Stevedoring.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

To perform many of the tasks involved in stevedoring, industry standards require waterside workers to hold a licence to Perform High Risk Work, issued by SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT. To gain a licence, you will need to complete units of competency at an approved Registered Training Organisation and work under the supervision of a licensed operator. You will also need to keep an approved logbook to record competencies achieved during training. Assessment by an independent assessor will then be required. To obtain a licence, you will need to be at least 18 years of age. Contact SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT for more details.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Waterside workers are usually employed by private stevedoring companies, with some workers employed by state port authorities and related organisations, including local government. Entry-level positions are advertised online and in metropolitan and country newspapers as required.