Longshoreman vs. Merchant Seaman: What Are the Differences?

Longshoremen and merchant seamen are two types of maritime workers. Though their jobs share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between longshoremen and merchant seamen, and we provide information on what you may need to pursue each type of job.

What is a Longshoreman?

Longshoremen are workers who are responsible for loading and unloading cargo from ships at docks and ports. They use a variety of machinery and equipment to move the cargo, which can include cranes, winches, and conveyor belts. Longshoremen must be able to safely and efficiently operate the machinery while also working as part of a team to coordinate the movement of the cargo. In addition to loading and unloading ships, longshoremen may also be responsible for inspecting and repairing the docks and machinery. They may also need to provide customer service to the shipping companies and captains of the vessels.

What is a Merchant Seaman?

Merchant seamen are civilians who work onboard merchant vessels, such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vessel and its equipment. Merchant seamen typically work in shifts to keep the vessel running 24 hours a day. Their duties can include standing watch, navigating the vessel, handling cargo, maintaining the vessel’s hull and engines and performing repairs. Merchant seamen must have a valid Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) to work onboard a vessel.

Longshoreman vs. Merchant Seaman

Here are the main differences between a longshoreman and a merchant seaman.

Job Duties

Longshoremen and merchant seamen share some of their job duties, such as loading and unloading cargo from ships. However, longshoremen only perform these tasks on land and often operate specialized machinery to help them move large volumes of cargo quickly. In contrast, merchant seamen fulfill most of their duties at sea. They may work with the ship’s crew to navigate the vessel or assist passengers in boarding.

Other important differences include the types of cargo each profession handles and the safety requirements they follow. Longshoremen handle shipments that typically travel short distances inland, so they adhere to strict federal regulations regarding hazardous materials. In contrast, merchant seamen transport goods across oceans and sometimes work under less stringent regulations because their vessels travel farther from shore.

Job Requirements

There are no specific educational requirements for longshoremen or merchant seamen, but both professions may require on-the-job training. Some employers prefer candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent. Longshoremen may need to complete a safety certification program before they can start working. Merchant seamen typically need to obtain a merchant mariner’s document, which they can get through the U.S. Coast Guard. The document allows them to work on vessels that travel between different countries.

Work Environment

Longshoremen work outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions. They may spend long hours on the docks and at sea, so they need to be physically fit and able to perform their duties under pressure. Merchant seamen also work outdoors but typically have more regular schedules than longshoremen. They may work indoors as well as outdoors, depending on where they are located.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills used by longshoremen and merchant seamen. Both groups need to be physically strong and have the ability to lift heavy objects. They also need to be able to work well as part of a team, as they often need to coordinate their efforts with other members of their crew. In addition, both groups need to have good communication skills, as they need to be able to understand and follow instructions from their superiors.

There are also some differences in the skills used by these two groups. Longshoremen tend to work more with machinery, so they may benefit from having mechanical skills. Merchant seamen, on the other hand, typically spend more time working with cargo, so they may need to have better organizational skills to keep track of the various items they are transporting.

Salary

Longshoremen earn an average salary of $58,170 per year, while merchant seamen earn an average salary of $54,423 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the type of work you do, your location and your experience level.