According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Prepare and submit reports after completion of freight shipments. | 90% |
| Inspect shipments to ensure that freight is securely braced and blocked. | 89% |
| Issue certificates of compliance for vessels without violations. | 88% |
| Record details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered. | 87% |
| Write certificates of admeasurement that list details such as designs, lengths, depths, and breadths of vessels, and methods of propulsion. | 85% |
| Advise crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo. | 82% |
| Observe loading of freight to ensure that crews comply with procedures. | 81% |
| Post warning signs on vehicles containing explosives or flammable or radioactive materials. | 81% |
| Recommend remedial procedures to correct any violations found during inspections. | 81% |
| Measure heights and widths of loads to ensure they will pass over bridges or through tunnels on scheduled routes. | 80% |
| Inspect loaded cargo, cargo lashed to decks or in storage facilities, and cargo handling devices to determine compliance with health and safety regulations and need for maintenance. | 80% |
| Notify workers of any special treatment required for shipments. | 79% |
| Direct crews to reload freight or to insert additional bracing or packing as necessary. | 79% |
| Check temperatures and humidities of shipping and storage areas to ensure that they are at appropriate levels to protect cargo. | 78% |
| Determine cargo transportation capabilities by reading documents that set forth cargo loading and securing procedures, capacities, and stability factors. | 77% |
| Read draft markings to determine depths of vessels in water. | 76% |
| Time rolls of ships, using stopwatches. | 61% |
| Determine types of licenses and safety equipment required, and compute applicable fees such as tolls and wharfage fees. | 58% |
