Port Operative

Ports are places where ships carrying cargo and passengers to and from the UK load and unload. Smaller ports and leisure ports often employ general port operatives who carry out a range of tasks. Larger ports tend to employ three types of port operatives - stevedores, marine operatives and passenger operatives.

• Stevedores load and unload cargo from ships. They may operate cranes, or drive forklift trucks or large trucks to transport cargo within the port.
• Marine operatives work on harbour craft used within the port. They could do various tasks, such as positioning and removing gangways, fuelling craft, berthing larger vessels and operating craft under supervision.
• Passenger operatives help with the movement of passengers through the port. Their work normally includes lifting baggage on and off baggage trailers, positioning passenger barriers, and directing vehicles.

Salaries range from between £11,000 and £12,000 a year on entry up to around £30,000 a year for the most highly paid operatives.

Ports are open 24 hours a day, so port operatives tend to work shifts, usually eight hours at a time over a seven-day period. Work takes place outside in all weathers. Many operatives, particularly stevedores, spend time in ships' holds or cargo storage areas. These can be hot and cramped. The job is physically demanding.

A port operative should:

• be physically fit, to cope with strenuous lifting and carrying
• be careful when handling goods that could be damaged
• have awareness of hazards and health and safety regulations
• like hard, physical work
• enjoy working with people (particularly in the case of passenger operatives).

The UK ports industry is the largest in Europe with about 120 commercial ports, varying in type and size, handling millions of tonnes of cargo and passengers.

No formal qualifications are generally required for entry to this work. Most port operatives need to be able to drive. It helps to have experience of operating cranes, forklift trucks or heavy goods vehicles. For health and safety reasons, most entrants are aged 18 and over. An Apprenticeship in port operations is available.

Training varies depending on the job. New port operatives are trained in all aspects of cargo handling. It is possible to work towards NVQ Level 2 in port operations and, for team leaders, NVQ Level 3 in supervision of port operations.

An experienced port operative can progress to team leader, supervisor, port operations manager and general manager. Some operatives move to related areas, such as warehouse work, road transport or the Merchant Navy.

Further details