Longshore Workers

Moving cargo and performing maintenance/repair work.

Longshore Workers

 

Deep-sea longshore workers are involved in the loading or unloading of cargo from container ships in the port. “A-Register” longshore workers are workers who perform “services incidental to the movement of waterborne freight,” which includes maintenance and repair of cargo handling equipment, chassis, marine terminal facilities, etc., as well as lashing/unlashing of freight onboard cargo vessels.

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


How Do I Become A Longshore Worker?

The first step is to be sponsored by a waterfront employer.  The hiring process for deep-sea longshore and checker positions includes a tripartite interview process which includes representatives from The Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and Port employers.  After a successful interview and meeting the requirements of physical exams and drug testing, candidates may then submit an application to the Commission.


The Commission cannot process your application without a valid employer sponsorship letter. For more information on available port employment, you can contact 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).

  • Interested U.S. Military Veterans should send a resume and copy of their DD214 via email to: [email protected]

  • The Metropolitan Marine Maintenance Contractors’ Association, Inc. (“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)

The next step is to contact the Commission to make an appointment, by emailing [email protected].  Please include your name, contact information and a copy of their sponsorship letter. Once we receive that initial email, the Commission will contact you to schedule an appointment.


Proof Requirements

Once your appointment is scheduled, it’s up to you to make sure that you have all of the necessary documents.  On the day of your appointment, you MUST bring the following with you:

  • Sponsorship letter (must be current within 30 days of your application date);
  • Your state issued ID;
  • Social Security Card;
  • Birth Certificate; 
  • If you are a veteran, your DD214; and 
  • Notarized New York Waterfront Commission Application (please note that the Commission will no longer be notarizing applications).


The Commission will not begin to process your application until all required documents are received.