Job Description and Activities
A Stevedoring Supervisor’s role is to supervise stevedores 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 Stevedoring Supervisor normally include the following:
- Supervising vessel loading and discharge – teams of port operatives working on the loading or unloading of cargo ships would normally report to a Stevedoring Supervisor. The Stevedoring Supervisor would normally brief the team on the work to be done and who will be doing it. They supervise the team when working the vessel and ensure it is being done safely and efficiently, and also deal with any problems or queries that may arise.
- Supervising safety – ports can be dangerous places in which to work. It is normally the responsibility of the Stevedoring Supervisor to ensure that the immediate working area is safe to work, and that the stevedore is wearing relevant safety equipment and working safely.
The Working Environment
Stevedoring 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 Stevedoring Supervisor’s salary can range from £18,000 to £35,000, depending on the activities undertaken and size of their port.
Entry Requirements
Many people are promoted to the role of Stevedoring Supervisor from stevedoring team leader or stevedore. However, qualifications are increasingly important. An N/SVQ level 3 in supervision of port operations – with a pathway in stevedoring 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 Stevedoring Supervisor is to become a Port Operations Manager.