Job Description and Activities
A Passenger Supervisor’s role is to supervise passenger operatives in their port and ensure that the team’s work is done safely and to the requirements of the port and its customers. The activities undertaken by a passenger supervisor normally include the following:
- Supervising safety – ports can be dangerous places in which to work. It is normally the responsibility of the Passenger Supervisor to ensure that the immediate working area is safe to work, and that the passenger operative is wearing relevant safety equipment and working safely.
- Liaising with customers and other port users – the supervisor of a passenger terminal may need to liaise with freight customers, shipping agents, passengers, HM Customs, Immigration, Harbour Authority and the vessels loading officer.
The Working Environment
Passenger Supervisors should be fit and able to work at height or on the water. They should have good leadership and communication skills. Working hours and conditions typically include regular unsocial hours.
Salary
A Passenger Supervisor’s salary can range from £18,000 to £35,000, depending on experience and the size and location of their port.
Entry Requirements
Many people are promoted to the role of Passenger Supervisor from passenger team leader or passenger operative. However, qualifications are increasingly important. An N/SVQ level 3 in Supervision of Port Operations – with a pathway in Passenger Supervision – exists for both those already working in the ports industry and those wishing to begin their career as a supervisor.
Career Development
The traditional progression for a Passenger Supervisor is to become a Passenger or Port Operations Manager.