Overview
Longshore workers transfer cargo throughout dock area and onto and from ships and other vessels. They are employed by marine cargo handling companies, shipping agencies and shipping lines.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate industrial trucks, tractors and other mobile equipment to transfer cargo, such as containers, crated items, automobiles and pallet-mounted machinery, around dock to within range of cranes and hoists
Operate winches or other hoisting devices to load and unload cargo onto and from ships and other vessels
Operate mechanical towers to load vessels with materials such as coal and ore
Operate equipment to transfer bulk materials, such as grain, to hold of vessels
Connect hoses and operate equipment to transfer liquid materials into storage tanks on vessels
Perform other activities such as lashing and shoring cargo aboard ships, opening and closing hatches, cleaning holds of ships and rigging cargo.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$42,025
$100,588
$139,527
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
1,095expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Some secondary school education may be required.
On-the-job training is provided.
Additional information
Progression to foreman/woman or supervisor of longshore workers is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.