Longshore Workers
(NOC 7451)
in All Trades and TransportationLongshore 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.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Longshore Workers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 45% of Longshore Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $89,522. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$30.00
Median$39.27
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,401
Minimum$50,979
Median$116,101
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$20.35
Median$34.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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.
Job duties
Longshore workers perform 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.
Sample job titles
- boat loader
- dock hand
- dockworker
- longshore worker
- ship loader operator
- stevedore
- tanker loader
- wharfman/woman - marine cargo handling
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and a mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
Progression to foreman/woman or supervisor of longshore workers is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and Warehousing
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$28,731 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,762 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$32,780 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$31,076 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$29,935 median annual incomeCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$40,890 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,089 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$39,023 median annual incomeLess than high school
$25,753 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,972 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.