Cargo Handling Operator Overview
Required Education and Training To Become a Cargo Handling Operator
Best Schools to become a Cargo Handling Operator in U.S. 2024
American Public University System
In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668
Michigan State University
In-State Tuition:$16,437
Out-of-State Tuition:$42,427
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:82%
Total Enrollment:50,023
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
In-State Tuition:$11,332
Out-of-State Tuition:$29,522
Admission Rate:68%
Graduation Rate:73%
Total Enrollment:33,805
Rutgers University-Newark
In-State Tuition:$12,900
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,600
Admission Rate:74%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:11,017
University of Houston
In-State Tuition:$8,685
Out-of-State Tuition:$20,877
Admission Rate:66%
Graduation Rate:63%
Total Enrollment:46,700
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
In-State Tuition:$12,900
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,600
Admission Rate:66%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:50,637
Cargo Handling Operator Job Description:
- Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot.
- Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear.
- Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment.
- Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels.
- Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Cargo Handling Operator
Job Duties for Cargo Handling Operators
Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
Technologies and Skills Used by Cargo Handling Operators
Data base user interface and query software
- KNMI TurboWin
- Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it