Container crane operator

Container crane operators operate electrically powered cranes equipped with cantilevers on which hoisting gear is supported to load or unload container cargo. They move towers in position alongside vessel and lower cantilevers over the deck or hold of a vessel. They lift and move container along the cantilever and position the container on the dock, on the vessel deck or in the hold.

Most container crane operators work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. They may work early morning, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Some port crane operators may be on call 24 hours a day. Operators who work for container ships or large cargo ships may be away from home for long periods, sometimes for months at a time.

Container crane operators must be able to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, and ice.

The following job titles also refer to container crane operator:

operator of container crane
straddle crane operator
dock crane operator
shipping container crane operator
crane driver
ship crane operator
dockside crane operator

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a container crane operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Container crane operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to container crane operator.

production plant crane operator
crane technician
train dispatcher
water traffic coordinator
cigar inspector

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of container crane operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of container crane operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

international forwarding operations coordinator
maritime pilot
freight inspector
air traffic controller
aviation data communications manager

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of container crane operator.

• Loading charts for transportation of goods: Understand the information displayed in loading charts showing the weight of shipments loaded in trailers. Read loading charts for the transport of larger items, dangerous materials or shipments that need special care.

These skills are necessary for the role of container crane operator.

• Operate railway lever frames: Operate mechanical lever frames housed in signal boxes. Understand different applications of levers such as interlocking or signal receiving; read and comprehend the track diagram and signalling layout mounted above the lever frame. Operate hand-powered interlockings, power frames, mechanical, pneumatic or electric levers.
• Assist in the movement of heavy loads: Provide assistance in the relocation of heavy loads; set up and operate a rigging system of ropes and cables in order to move heavy cargo.
• Use rigging tools: Employ rigging tools such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to safely secure high structures.
• Maintain crane equipment: Ensure appropriate maintenance of crane equipment. Identify and report damage and malfunctions. Replace worn or damaged components if necessary.
• Organise weight of loads according to lifting equipment capacity: Organise the weight of loads to prevent overloading and imbalances in lifting equipment.
• Check quality of products on the production line: Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
• Conduct routine machinery checks: Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
• Stay alert: Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.
• Set up crane: Set up cranes taking all safety measures into account.
• Load cargo onto ships: Load and unload cargo onto ships. Oversee cargo loading and discharging operations.
• Inspect crane equipment: Inspect the suitability of cables, pulleys, and grappling devices that form parts of cranes. Ensure the ongoing maintenance of this equipment.
• Operate cranes: Operate cranes to move, position, lift or place machinery, equipment or other large objects at various locations.
• Perform high risk work: Perform high risk tasks and work that requires close adherence to specific rules and procedures to ensure safe operations.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of container crane operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Act reliably: Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Have spatial awareness: Be aware of your position and the space around you. Understand the relationship of objects around you when there is a change of position.
• Show confidence: Demonstrate degrees of maturity by fully understanding one’s own qualities and abilities which can serve as sources of confidence in different situations.
• Have computer literacy: Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
• Perform services in a flexible manner: Adapt service approach when circumstances change.
• Follow verbal instructions: Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
• Work in a logistics team: Ability to work confidently within a logistics team, with each member of the team fulfilling a role designed to increase the efficiency of the whole.

8343 – Crane, hoist and related plant operators

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References

1. Container crane operator – ESCO
2. Port Crane Operator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France – Container crane @ Container terminal @ Harbour Tour @ Spido @ Rotterdam, CC BY 2.0,