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Stevedore

Kaimahi Taunga Waka

Stevedores operate a variety of heavy machinery to load, unload, tally and stow the cargo of a ship.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a stevedore. However, NCEA Level 2 English and maths are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for stevedores includes:

  • work with heavy machinery and vehicles such as forklifts, truck and trailer units, and track and roller vehicles
  • work in port or freight industries and at heavy plant facilities.

What you will do

Stevedores may do some or all of the following:

  • operate heavy vehicles and machinery, such as straddle carriers, forklifts and ships' cranes, to load and unload cargo from trucks, ships and rail transport services
  • position and secure cargo in the holds of ships using braces
  • carry out safety checks on equipment
  • secure and release mooring lines of ships.

Skills and knowledge

Stevedores need to have:

  • knowledge of health and safety procedures
  • skill operating heavy machinery such as straddle carriers, forklifts and ships' cranes
  • knowledge of how to handle different types of cargo, particularly containers of dangerous substances
  • knowledge of basic customs and shipping company documents
  • the ability to interpret ship loading plans.
Pay

New stevedores usually earn

$48K-$80K

per year

Stevedores in a supervisory role usually earn

$80K-$130K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a stevedore are average due to an increase in casual labour, but variable shipping schedules.
Length of training
1
year of training usually required.

Industry

Transport and Logistics

Stevedores operate a variety of heavy machinery to load, unload, tally and stow the cargo of a ship.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a qualified stevedore you need to train on the job and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Port Operations – Heavy Machine Operation (Level 3). MITO is the industry training organisation that oversees this certificate.

Stevedores may also be required to hold a Class 2 (heavy vehicle) or higher driver's licence with an F endorsement.

Some employers may require you to pass a medical test.

Chances of getting a job

Your chances of securing full-time work as a stevedore are best if you work as a part-time casual employee to gain the required skills, and are enthusiastic and reliable. 

Most stevedoring work is part time

Most stevedoring work is part time and staff turnover in full-time positions is very low.

There is more part-time work when ports are busier during fishing seasons and when imports arrive from overseas.

Qualifications key to full-time work

Stevedore employers will only take on permanent staff who have the New Zealand Certificate in Port Operations – Heavy Machine Operation (Level 3).

Full-time job opportunities for stevedores have declined due to:

  • variable shipping schedules, so more casual labour is used
  • automation and the introduction of mechanical loading and unloading equipment.

According to the Census, 2,043 stevedores worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Most stevedores work for private shipping companies

Stevedores mainly work for private stevedoring companies, who contract them out to New Zealand's port companies.

Find out more about training

MITO
0800 88 21 21 - info@mito.org.nz - www.mito.org.nz
Te Pūkenga
0800 327 648 - https://earnlearn-tepukenga.ac.nz

Progression and specialisations

Stevedores may progress by moving into supervisory, management, or planning and logistics roles.

Stevedores may specialise in operating:

  • straddle carriers
  • cranes
  • forklifts.

Working conditions

Stevedores:

  • work flexibly, due to changing ship schedules most stevedores don't know in advance what hours they will work each day 
  • may work early mornings, weekends and nights
  • spend most of their time working outdoors at ports, and in container terminals and the cargo holds of ships
  • work in most weather conditions and around heavy machinery
  • may have to travel to other ports for work.

Physical Requirements

Stevedores need to be reasonably fit and healthy. They should have good upper body strength, hearing, eyesight (with or without corrective lenses) and balance. They should also be comfortable working at heights.

Useful personal qualities

Stevedores need to be:

  • adaptable and practical
  • safety conscious
  • reliable
  • able to work well in a team
  • able to follow instructions
  • good communicators.

Industry

Transport and Logistics

Stevedores operate a variety of heavy machinery to load, unload, tally and stow the cargo of a ship.

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