Stevedoring & Cargo Handling
A concentrated program for stevedores and port operations teams who handle cargo at the ship–shore interface — focused on safety, coordination and best-practice handling standards.
Program Snapshot
Practical, scenario-based training that links safe stevedoring practice to vessel turnaround, cost and reputation.
The course strengthens the way crews think and act while moving cargo, connecting every step to safety, vessel time and customer trust.
- Understand the full stevedoring cycle from planning to completion.
- Apply correct handling methods for different cargo types.
- Interpret loading plans and work instructions with fewer errors.
- Use communication protocols during high-risk operations.
- Identify unsafe acts and conditions before incidents occur.
Intended for those working on the quay, inside the vessel, or coordinating ship-side tasks. Examples are tailored to your port, cargo mix and vessel types.
- Stevedores and gang leaders.
- Ship-side and hatch supervisors.
- Foremen overseeing loading / discharging operations.
- Junior officers from terminal operations and marine departments.
Course Structure
Three themed days that build from principles and planning to live operations and continuous improvement.
- Role of stevedores in port performance and vessel safety.
- Overview of cargo types: containers, break-bulk, bulk and project cargo.
- Basic stability and stowage considerations (non-technical level).
- Reading work orders, stow plans and safety instructions.
- Safe lifting, rigging and slinging principles.
- Lashing / unlashing, use of gear and checks before use.
- Working in and around holds, hatches, ramps and decks.
- Real incident reviews – what happened and how to prevent repeats.
- Coordination with planners, crane operators and shore teams.
- Toolbox talks, shift briefings and debriefs that add real value.
- Reporting near misses and unsafe conditions constructively.
- Personal action plans for each participant and team commitments.
Schedule & Logistics
Delivered in a compact format that respects vessel schedules and roster patterns.
Rotating batches can be planned so that critical operations continue while different teams attend the course.
Looking to align Stevedoring & Cargo Handling with your internal safety targets or vessel turnaround KPIs?