Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Dockhand

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking dependable Dockhands to join port, terminal, and marina operations. A Dockhand performs essential physical and technical duties to load, unload, secure, and maintain vessels and docks. This role emphasizes safe line handling, mooring, cargo handling and stowage, basic machinery operation (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, winches), rigging, and close coordination with crane operators, stevedores, vessel crews, and terminal supervisors. Ideal candidates demonstrate a safety-first mindset, strong teamwork and communication, physical stamina, and fundamental maritime certifications (TWIC, OSHA, forklift). This dockhand job description is optimized for maritime hiring, port operations, stevedoring, and logistics search queries.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse associate or material handler transitioning into port operations
Entry-level deckhand on small commercial vessels or tug operations
Forklift operator or general laborer with experience in heavy lifting and logistics

Advancement To:

Lead Dockhand / Senior Deckhand
Stevedore or Stevedoring Lead
Terminal Operations Supervisor or Foreman
Marine Logistics Coordinator or Port Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Crane Operator (with certification)
Marine Technician or Maintenance Electrician
Logistics Coordinator / Freight Handler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely perform line handling and mooring duties for inbound and outbound vessels, including throwing, securing, and tending mooring lines, setting up breast lines, spring lines, and breast hooks to ensure safe berthing and casting off operations.
Load and unload cargo using pallet jacks, forklifts, hand trucks, and by hand as required; stage and tag pallets, crates, and containers for crane lifts, ensuring proper weight distribution and securement per stevedoring procedures.
Assist crane operators and riggers during lifts by applying proper rigging techniques, connecting slings, shackles, and spreader bars, signaling when required, and maintaining a clear and safe lift zone on deck and dock.
Conduct pre- and post-shift inspections of mooring gear, lines, slings, shackles, hatches, winches, and dock hardware; identify and report defects immediately to supervisory personnel to prevent downtime and safety incidents.
Secure cargo to vessel decks and quay with twist locks, chains, lashing bars, dunnage, and ratchet straps; ensure compliance with stowage plans and vessel stability instructions from stevedores and ship officers.
Operate powered industrial equipment (forklift, telehandler, yard truck) in tight port environments to move cargo between vessel, yard, and warehouse while adhering to OSHA and site-specific safety protocols.
Perform hot-work standby, confined-space entry support, and watch duties when required; act as an assistant to certified personnel by maintaining communication, tending lines, and monitoring atmosphere when directed by supervisors.
Execute routine deck and dock maintenance such as painting, chocking, cleaning, sanding, welding assistance, and minor carpentry to preserve safe and operational marine infrastructure.
Assist with bunkering and fuel transfer supervision by handling hoses, vent lines, and grounding connections under the direction of certified personnel; follow spill-prevention procedures and immediate spill response protocols.
Support hazardous materials handling and segregation by following MMSA/IMDG/49 CFR packing and labeling requirements and immediately notifying supervisors of any irregularities or leaks.
Load and unload bulk, breakbulk, and unitized cargo using manual and mechanical means, maintaining accurate documentation of pieces handled and contributing to daily cargo manifests and shift logs.
Communicate via VHF, UHF, and handheld radios with vessel crews, pilots, tugs, crane operators, and yard personnel to coordinate safe vessel moves, lifts, and shifts; maintain clear, concise record of communications when required.
Assist with passenger embarkation and disembarkation for ferries and excursion vessels, ensuring gangways, safety rails, and deck lines are properly installed and attended during boarding operations.
Monitor and maintain dock utilities and infrastructure including fenders, bollards, cleats, ladders, and gangway supports; perform minor repairs and schedule major maintenance with the port engineering team.
Adhere to lockout/tagout procedures and assist electricians and mechanics during scheduled repairs or emergency isolation of equipment to ensure safe working conditions for all personnel on deck and dock.
Support inventory control processes by counting, verifying, and tagging cargo units, crates, and pallets; input or provide accurate cargo counts to supervisors and warehouse systems to maintain supply chain integrity.
Load, secure, and handle specialty cargo (e.g., hazardous materials, oversized loads, refrigerated goods) under the guidance of stevedores and according to regulatory constraints, temperature-control requirements, and placarding rules.
Participate in pre-shift briefings and post-shift debriefs to review the day’s operations, safety observations, problems encountered, and lessons learned; contribute suggestions for process improvements and risk reduction.
Respond to vessel and dockside emergencies including man-overboard, fires, and spill containment; perform basic first aid or CPR until medical personnel arrive and support emergency response teams as directed.
Maintain personal protective equipment and safety station readiness (life rings, throw lines, fire extinguishers, oil spill kits); ensure emergency gear is accessible and in good working order at all times.
Support documentation and regulatory compliance by assisting with the completion of cargo manifests, weigh tickets, hazardous materials declarations, and security checks as required for port and customs authorities.
Load/unload and maintain small auxiliary boats and craft, including assistance with launching, retrieval, rigging, and basic engine checks as part of marina or ship support functions.
Execute rotational and seasonal duties such as ice removal, storm-prep securing of vessels and docks, and snow clearing to preserve safe operational access for crews and cargo movements.
Train and mentor junior dockhands and temporary labor crews in safe line-handling techniques, proper PPE usage, basic rigging, and port safety rules to increase team competence and reduce incidents.

Secondary Functions

Perform general yard housekeeping, trash removal, and pallet recycling to maintain an orderly terminal and reduce trip and fire hazards.
Participate in scheduled safety drills, including fire, spill, and evacuation exercises, and provide constructive feedback to management about drill realism and gaps.
Support administrative tasks such as documenting shift hours, submitting incident reports, and maintaining simple cargo and equipment logs in on-site systems or tablets.
Assist the maintenance team with scheduled preventative maintenance by staging replacement parts, fueling small engines, and carrying out basic lubrication tasks.
Provide customer-facing assistance for truck drivers and vendors at the dock gate by helping with load checks, manifest confirmation, and safe routing of vehicles on the dock.
Support environmental compliance programs by collecting samples, documenting waste disposal, and following procedures for recycling and hazardous waste segregation.
Help coordinate inbound/outbound truck staging and marshalling of containers, ensuring trucks follow safe paths on the terminal and that loads are secure for road transport.
Occasionally support cross-functional projects (safety committee initiatives, ergonomic assessments, and continuous improvement teams) to improve dock productivity and worker safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Line handling and mooring techniques for commercial vessels, including rigging, hitches, and safe placement of mooring lines.
Forklift operation (counterbalance, reach truck, telehandler) with current operator certification and safe load handling practices.
Rigging and slinging knowledge: selecting slings and hardware, calculating load angles, basic spreader bar setup, and inspection of lifting gear.
Crane-support and signaling: understanding standard hand signals and radio protocols to safely assist crane operators and deck riggers.
Basic winch, capstan, and deck machinery operation for handling lines and cargo gear.
Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) awareness for maritime transport and basic segregation/containment procedures per IMDG/49 CFR.
TWIC card and familiarity with port security requirements and restricted-area access procedures (preferred).
Basic vessel maintenance skills such as patching, paint touch-up, simple welding/brazing assistance, and carpentry for dunnage and blocking.
Confined-space support and hot-work awareness; ability to act as a safety attendant and monitor isolation points under supervision.
VHF/UHF radio communication proficiency and ability to log communications clearly in operational logs.
Basic inventory and manifest documentation skills; ability to read load plans and simple shipping documents.
CPR/First Aid and basic emergency response skills for maritime incidents.
Familiarity with OSHA 10/30 construction or maritime safety standards and terminal-specific safety management systems.

Soft Skills

Strong team orientation with ability to coordinate closely with stevedores, crane operators, vessel crews, and terminal supervisors.
Clear and calm communication under pressure; able to relay safety-critical information quickly and concisely.
High attention to detail when inspecting equipment, verifying cargo counts, and following stowage instructions to prevent loss or damage.
Physical stamina and endurance for heavy lifting, outdoor work, and long shifts in varying weather conditions.
Situational awareness and proactive safety mindset to identify hazards and intervene to prevent incidents.
Punctuality, dependability, and flexibility for shift work, nights, weekends, and emergency call-outs.
Problem-solving and resourcefulness to handle unexpected vessel or cargo issues while seeking direction from supervisors.
Adaptability to changing workflows and priorities common in port and marine logistics operations.
Customer service orientation for interactions with truck drivers, vessel agents, and terminal visitors.
Instructional ability to mentor new hires and temporary staff in safe operational practices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; ability to read basic technical documentation, safety procedures, and shipping paperwork.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certificate in maritime operations, port operations, logistics, or a related trade school program.
Certifications such as Forklift Operator, CPR/First Aid, OSHA 10/30, TWIC, or USCG credentials where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Maritime Technology
Logistics and Supply Chain
Marine Engineering Technology
Mechanical Trades / Welding

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years for entry-level dockhand roles; 2+ years preferred for stevedoring operations or terminal environments.

Preferred:

1–3 years of hands-on dock, marina, or deckhand experience with documented line handling and cargo-handling tasks.
Experience operating forklifts or other powered industrial trucks, and working safely around cranes and heavy equipment.
Prior exposure to port security protocols (TWIC), OSHA safety programs, and basic hazardous materials handling is highly desirable.