Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Working Life

Stevedores load and unload cargo from ships. They control and guide passengers and their vehicles as they pass through the port.

In marine work they deal with everything at the port. A stevedore uses forklift trucks and cranes. On roll-on/roll-off ferries, operatives drive the vehicles that carry trailers on and off the ships.

On container ships, dockside cranes or the ship's own lifting gear is used to load and unload containers.

Operatives also use lorries and other vehicles to transport cargo from the quayside to outdoor storage areas.

Port operatives normally work a 40-hour week, in eight-hour shift patterns. Work is outdoors, in all weathers, but you may spend some time inside in the ship's hold or in cargo storage, which may be hot and cramped.

The work can be strenuous with plenty of lifting and bending. You may have to work at heights. Some cargoes can be dusty, dirty or oily, or produce unpleasant smells or fumes.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
• Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
• Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
• Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
• Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards.
• Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
• Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
• Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers, so they can be loaded.
• Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.
• Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Applicants may need to pass a medical examination.  

Applicants may be asked to provide security or Garda vetting checks as part of recruitment. Some engineering skills could be useful for carrying out basic maintenance work around the docks.

Key Skill Certs:

Manual Handling certificate

Occupational First Aid & Fire Safety

Loading cert tickets for loading machinery & forklift: REACH, Counter balance, power pallett, slinger / signaller

Full Drivers License: Although any driving involved may not be on public roads, most employers will require applicants to possess a driving licence in order to demonstrate good levels of driving skill. Experience of driving cranes, forklift trucks, or lorries is often an advantage under CPC competency

Key Skill Certs for compliance with HSA Dock Safety may be available at low or no cost via local FET  Centres around Ireland Search our FET CourseFinder

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: transport, logistics.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: transport, warehousing, supply chain, logistics.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Commercial Driver, Supply Chain Associate, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €47k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicolas/ Lincoln/ Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Van and bus/coach drivers account for the largest share of employment within this occupational group. Employment growth was above average, primarily related to growth between 2018 and 2019; employment levels in 2023 were broadly in line with levels in 2021. The new quota for employment permits for bus/coach drivers in December 2022 resulted in 216 new permits issued in 2023.

There was a relatively high share of vacancies advertised through DSP for bus and coach drivers and Skills for Growth data noted issues with recruiting bus drivers. With over a third aged 55 years and older, openings may be more frequent in coming years due to replacement demand. The NTA and operators have engaged in extensive recruitment campaigns and open days recently along with introducing an employee referral programme. Despite this, shortages of bus and coach drivers persists.

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