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Description

The main function of this profession is to perform the basic tasks required in the loading and unloading of materials, usually on a merchant ship. The work of a longshoreman is fully regulated at official level, since the stowage and unloading of ships is considered a public service.

The tasks of loading and unloading a ship are as old as the transport of goods by sea. Stowage is to be understood as the proper arrangement of goods on board a ship, taking into account their stability and the most suitable location for navigation, as well as the compatibility of the various classes of products and the most rational way of carrying out loading and unloading operations. By means of unloading, the cargoes are removed from the warehouse in preparation for disembarkation.

The basic problem with stowage is therefore the shape and location of the ship where the goods are to be accommodated in a particular manner, taking into account their destination. The technological evolution of the last decades has meant very important changes in the tasks and the number of longshoremen, who are specialized in this activity.

Since loading and unloading operations are normally carried out under the pressure of minimum time and maximum safety, increases in productivity are sought through the entry into service of semi- or fully automated machinery, which tends to reduce the number of jobs available.

To get a job as a longshoreman, you must pass a public competition, so that the positions will have to be announced beforehand.

Tasks

- The tasks of loading, unloading, stowing, de-stowing and transhipment of goods subject to maritime traffic, on ships and within the port area.
- Unloading, hauling to auction and storage, and all work arising from the handling of fresh fish from vessels of more than 100 GRT
- The operation of cranes and machines of any type and other mechanical devices or elements used in port operations.
- The loading and unloading of trucks, automobiles and any other type of motor vehicles, except when such operations are carried out by their owners, users or habitual drivers under their control.
- The driving, coupling and uncoupling of tractor units which load or unload trailers, excluding the driving of vehicles of all types carrying goods up to the base of a crane or installation of a cargo truck in direct truck operations on the ship.


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Centre per al desenvolupament professional Porta22

Barcelona Treball (Porta22)
Llacuna, 156-162, 08018 Barcelona
bcn.cat/treball

900533175
Monday to Friday from 9 to 18 h

Generalitat de Catalunya
Unió Europea FEDER
Unió Europea FSE