Working in the port | Port of Amsterdam (2024)

The work of a pilot can also vary. You could pilot vessels remotely, using radar images for example. You could operate the pilot boat that guides vessels between the sea and the port. Or stand on the bridge of a vessel and instruct its master and helmsman.

You will know the port and the waterways inside out. Think of where any shallow water, hazards, tides, locks and other traffic routes on the water lie.

As a pilot, you are also often involved in planning changes to the port or shipping routes.

Of course, you come into contact with a lot of other employees, both at the port and on board vessels. And you will need to speak English, which you will have learnt as part of your studies.

Requirements

• Pre-vocational secondary education (VMBO)
• You could take a sandwich course for a port worker level 1 or 2 through a Regional Community College such as the Nova College
• You have taken a health & safety course at level VVA1

It is also your job to digitally make sure the fork-lift truck driver knows where to move the goods. You also need to label the goods and record the stevedoring plans.

At the gate, you check materials delivered (such as trailers) for damage. You ensure that loading and unloading information is accurate. And you supervise third-party access and compliance with security and customs directives.

You oversee loading and unloading of vessels and ensure that goods are stored and transported. You take care of all the formalities for the vessel and its cargo with the various authorities. Such as pilotage, the port company, customs, goods handlers, shippers and freight forwarders.

Often, you will also take care of the crew of the vessel, including responsibility for wages, medical care and supplies. Sometimes you need to sort out visas, flights and hotel accommodation.

Everything needs to be done as quickly as possible, otherwise the ship can’t leave the port. You will be working under pressure at all times.

As a tramp shipbroker, you run your own business and need to organise your own work. As a line shipbroker, you do the same work. But then you are employed by a shipping company and have customers assigned to you.

The work requires the utmost concentration when it comes to preparing the equipment and paint, as you need to get the exact mixing ratio and the right thickness.

Moreover, you test the colours and quality, and rectify minor faults. You also need to clean and maintain the spray gun, the drying and blasting cabin, paint mixer and degreasing machine.

Requirements

• Secondary vocational education (MBO)
• You have an interest in technology and master painting techniques like Airmix, HVLP and electrostatic spraying
• Some companies offer (paid) sandwich courses through the Regional Community College

Typical salary

• Starting scale €1,650 per month
• Up to €2,000 per month

The work is as varied as the goods are. You could be dealing with bags, then barrels, boxes or rolls, and working with nets, slings, pallets or racks. Car-carrying ships also involve another degree of variety (see car logistics operator).

As a stevedore, you are the eyes and ears of the crane operator. You give them instructions on where to lift the goods and how, using a radio and hand signals.

It is your job to ensure that the goods are firmly secured to the crane or ship. As a stevedore, safety is your number 1 priority.

It is a versatile role with a lot of responsibility. You draw up annual plans and budgets. You help to establish collective agreements. And you check that the daily administrative and operational processes are being conducted in accordance with ISO, VCA, ISPS and other standards.

Additionally, you are responsible for the recruitment, training and absenteeism policies. And you are equally involved in customer acquisition and ICT.

In a nutshell, as a stevedoring manager, you are responsible for all the day-to-day processes of the operational part of the business.

Requirements

• You have a completed education beyond higher professional (HBO) level
• You have at least 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably in logistics
• You love working with technical and ICT developments
• You hold some specific management certificates, such as a valid VCA diploma for managers
• Also important: you speak and write fluent English

It is your responsibility to give proper instructions and ensure high-quality work is carried out efficiently. You liaise with other team leaders to coordinate tasks. You also make sure quality, safety, environment and health regulations are complied with.

Requirements

• Secondary vocational education (MBO)
• Expertise in logistic processes, loading, unloading and storage
• Specialist middle management course or training
• Safety Checklist for Contractors (VCA) diploma for managers
• Emergency response (BHV) certificate

You maintain contact with the captain, usually in a foreign language. You arrange customs clearance for arriving and departing vessels, call for the teams and pilots required, and make sure the documentation in order. You also ensure that the stevedores, shippers and unloaders are all ready to perform their tasks. Plus, you check that the vessel has enough supplies for its next voyage.

Typical salary

• Starting scale € 1,750 per month
• Up to € 2,100 per month

Many welders are used to repair and maintain vessels (even underwater!), but a lot of your work will be carried out on the quay. In any case, as a welder you join metal parts and components together by creating welding joints.

You will also cut, grind, sand and model the metal parts according to diagrams and drawings. After carrying out the welding, you check that the size and quality is right. Of course, you are also responsible for maintaining and cleaning the tools, jigs and measuring equipment.

Requirements

• Secondary vocational education (MBO)
• Knowledge and experience in MIG/MAG welding at NIL level 2 or 3 as a minimum
• Any knowledge of other welding processes, such as TIG and electric welding, is a bonus
• Many companies offer sandwich courses

Typical salary

• Starting scale € 1,750 per month
• Up to € 2,100 per month

You issue instructions to your colleagues, help them with technical problems, take care of the planning and keeping track of the hours worked. You also check the quality of the work, using ultrasonic and x-ray equipment, for example. And of course you serve as the point of contact for the subcontractor, controller and the welding manager.

Typical salary

• Starting scale € 1,900 per month
• Up to € 2,300 per month