These days, it can be difficult to identify a career that will supply continuous, dependable work long into the future. Shipyards have been around for thousands of years and they will be for many years into the future, offering the prospect of continuous work to those in the shipping industry.

The shipping industry is still essential for the movement of goods, but as secure as the industry may be, that doesn’t mean shipyard jobs are a cakewalk. Shipping and shipbuilding are unique industries that come with particular demands on people in these industries. Below are four things you have to know before pursuing this line of work.

1) It Can Be Physical

The typical day in a shipyard involves moving materials and physical labor. Most shipyard workers spend their time working in small spaces or on platforms at various heights. While most shipyard work isn’t overly strenuous, the work there is very physical in nature.

Even when work isn’t being done by humans, it is still physical in nature. Many shipyard workers operate heavy machinery to lift, tilt, lower, rotate, and suspend heavy loads. This requires but knowledge of the physics of these machines and their associated loads.

2) Safety is Vital

Shipyard work may be dangerous. You almost certainly realize that already, if you’re curious about a job at a shipyard, but it’s crucial you comprehend the significance of health and safety in this environment. Certainly, safety procedures are essential in any place of work, but a shipyard is a very physically challenging situation. The potential risks are greater, so that means focus on detail must be greater, too. Ensure your company explains dangers related to electricity, enclosed spaces, heavy machinery and other critical safety concerns associated with the position. You have to feel safe in order to do a good job.

3) Work Schedules Often Aren’t Fixed

Another big thing to understand is that the typical work schedule in a shipyard is flexible, making it difficult to predict the hours you’ll be working from week to week.

Shipyard workers are usually given a lot of notice on when they’re working. However, in the shipping industry, work schedules are based on shipment volumes and schedules. Shipyard workers are also often asked to work overtime to accommodate shipping schedules and unexpected events.

4) Communication and Teamwork Are Key

If you want a job with a lot of independence, solitude or autonomy, a job in a shipyard probably isn’t for you. Each day, shipyard workers must communicate with one another both in the course of their job duties and to keep each other safe. This typically involves both verbal communication and physical signaling between workers in situations where hearing is difficult.

We Can Help You Find a Shipyard Opportunity that Suits You

At NSC, we connect ambitious individuals with excellent opportunities in the shipping and shipbuilding industries. Please contact us today to learn about the opportunities we currently have available.