How Do I Become a Longshoreman?
A longshoreman is the person who works on docks loading and unloading cargo. This type of job requires a lot of physical labor. The reason so many people are interested in this type of job is because of the pay. Longshoremen are compensated very generously in both pay and benefits because the job is not only physically taxing it can also be very dangerous.
The question how do I become a longshoreman is frequently asked by those that are interested in this very competitive job. There are a number of requirements to become a longshoreman. There are not many jobs around where people can earn up to $100,000 a year without an advanced degree, but there are many longshoreman that earn this much money each year.
There are some unions that will look highly upon individuals that have construction experience. Years of construction experience is favored because it shows that you have the ability to operate large machines and move around heavy objects with those machines.
Likewise, if you are interested in a longshoreman job you must be prepared to complete a very thorough application. In order to work on a port in the United States you will need a TWIC card. Having a TWIC card provides port clearance, but it does not guarantee you a job as a longshoreman. However, since there is a very detailed process in obtaining a TWIC card through the government, it is best that you obtain this card while attempting to become employed as a longshoreman so that you will have it should you be accepted by a union for employment as a longshoreman.
Also, you will be required to take a number of tests such as physicals and drug tests before you will be considered eligible to be a longshoreman, this process can take years.
The Duties of a Longshoreman
A longshoreman is the person that helps to load and unload cargo on a dock. Some people work directly on the dock, moving the cargo around, while others may use machines such as forklifts to complete their jobs.
A longshoreman will load and unloads thousands of tons of cargo onto massive container ships. The job of a longshoreman is thus very physical. There is a considerable amount of lifting and moving of very heavy items.
Likewise, if you are considering this career you will need to have good problem solving skills as well. Quite often longshoreman will encounter situations where it will be necessary to maneuver cargo into tight spaces as efficiently as possible.
Safety Considerations
Longshoremen have lost their lives on the dock through freak accidents or negligence. Because the job is so dangerous, longshoremen receive excellent benefits and wages. They also have the support of very established unions which are dedicated to the safety of its members. Likewise, the high level of danger is one of the main reasons why it takes years to become established as a fully registered longshoreman. It takes time to develop the necessary skills that will allow you to perform this particular job in a safe manner.