A stevedore is a dockworker who physically loads and unloads cargo from ships in port — historically a term for manual cargo handling, still used today even as much of the work has become mechanized.
Stevedores vs Ship’s Crew
Stevedores are not part of the ship’s crew — they’re employed by a shore-based stevedoring company, contracted by the shipowner, charterer, or port to handle cargo operations while the vessel is in port. The ship’s Chief Officer plans and supervises cargo operations and coordinates with the stevedoring foreman, but the actual physical handling is done by the stevedoring gang.
What Stevedores Actually Do
- Operating cranes, forklifts, and other cargo-handling equipment
- Securing and lashing cargo, particularly containers
- Loading and discharging break-bulk, bulk, and containerized cargo
- Following the ship’s stowage plan as directed by the cargo officer
Coordination Between Ship and Shore
Effective cargo operations require close, ongoing coordination between the ship’s cargo officer and the stevedoring team — communicating the loading/discharge sequence, addressing any damage or discrepancies found during operations, and ensuring stability and stress limits are respected throughout, since the shore-side stevedores execute the plan but the ship’s officer bears ultimate responsibility for stability and safety.
Stevedore Damage
Damage caused by stevedores during cargo operations (to cargo, ship structure, or equipment) is a recurring commercial and insurance issue in shipping, generally addressed through the terms of the stevedoring contract and relevant clauses in the charter party.
Exam Relevance
The stevedore’s role and the ship-shore coordination required during cargo operations are covered within Cargo Work topics in deck officer competency exams.