Longshore Workers

If you want to perform longshore work in the Port of New York, you must first be included in the Longshore Workers’ Register. This is a list of eligible workers who can work on the piers or waterfront terminals in the Port of New York.

Application Process

The New York Waterfront Commission does not employ individuals to work at the Port of New York, and we are not authorized to accept walk-in applicants. Before submitting an application, you must first be sponsored by a waterfront employer. The Commission cannot process your application without a valid employer sponsorship letter.

For more information on available port employment, you can contact port employers or the following:

• The Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey (SANYNJ).  SANYNJ is the membership organization that represents the terminal operators, ocean carriers, stevedores and marine related businesses that operate the ships, move the cargo, and train and employ the longshore workers in the Port.  It also coordinates the hiring and training of the labor that moves cargo through the Port.  For more information about SANYNJ, you can visit their website at Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey – (SANYNJ). To find out if their member companies are hiring, visit Longshore Employment Info – Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey (sanynj.org).
   
• The Metropolitan Marine Maintenance Contractors’ Association, Inc. (MMMCA). MMMCA is the membership association that represents waterfront employers of maintenance and repair workers. To find out if their member companies are hiring, please visit Contact Us – Metropolitan Marine Maintenance Contractors' Association, Inc. (mmmca.org).
   
• U.S. Military Veterans should send a resume and copy of their DD214 via email to: [email protected].

After you have received a sponsorship letter, the next step is to contact the Commission to start the application process by emailing [email protected]. Please include your name, contact information and a copy of your sponsorship letter. Once we receive that initial email, the Commission will contact you with fingerprinting instructions.

You are responsible for scheduling your fingerprinting appointment.  Fingerprinting is completed through an outside vendor, and results are sent directly to the Commission. Applications will not be accepted until fingerprint results are received. Once results are received, we will contact you to schedule an appointment to submit your application.

Proof Requirements

On the day of your appointment, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have the necessary documents listed below. You must present originals, or documents that are certified by the issuing agency. No photographs, scans or copies will be accepted.

You must bring the following with you:

• Sponsorship letter (must be current within 30 days of your application date);
   
• Two (2) recent passport photos (2”x2”);
   
• Driver License or DMV Non-Driver ID Card (your current address must be reflected on the card, or you must bring proof of address change from the DMV);
   
• Social Security Card;
   
• Birth Certificate. If you were not born in the United States, you must also provide one of the following documents: (1) Employment Authorization Card, (2) Permanent Resident Card or (3) Naturalization Certificate;
   
• If you are a veteran, you must bring your U.S. Armed Services Discharge or Separation Papers (DD 214). Only a “Member 4” copy of your DD214 will be accepted; and
   
• Completed New York Waterfront Commission Application, which may be found on the Commission’s website at NYWC AP/RP.  Do not leave any question unanswered.

We recommend that you do not sign or date the application until your appointment. Your application will be notarized by Commission staff at that time. There is no charge for this service. Should you choose to have your application notarized before your appointment, it must be dated for the same day and all questions must be answered.

The Commission will not begin to process your application unless all required proofs are submitted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.