A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921.

ORDER XXII.—PERSONS EMPLOYED IN TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Sub-order 3.—Water Transport Workers

743.—Stevedores

loader: general term for any person engaged in stowing cargo on any navigable craft (large, small, sea-going or otherwise); takes care to stow cargo in smallest possible space, securely (to prevent shifting during voyage), uniformly (to avoid giving list to craft), and conveniently (so that cargo may be got out quickly, especially if vessel to call at several places in succession); term chiefly indicates man loading barge, canal boat, or other small craft engaged in inland navigation, coasting or "short sea" trades; sometimes specifically designated according to type of boat loaded, or place of loading, e.g. boat loader, canal boat loader, dockside loader, slate loader (quay); highest degree of skill required in stowing cargo on large sea-going vessels carrying mixed cargo and visiting many ports; such work is generally done by stevedores q.v.
stevedore, stower, ship stower: a loader q.v. specially skilled in stowing cargo in ship's holds; is responsible to master stevedore (732) q.v. for proper stowing of cargo; ensures that it is not too tightly packed, that it does not shift during voyage, and that casks, etc., liable co burst or leak, are not so placed as to injure other cargo if such accident occurs, etc.; usually directs two holdsmen (745) q.v. and himself assists them in stowing.

From: A Dictionary of Occupational Terms Based on the Classification of Occupations used in the Census of Population, 1921,
Ministry of Labour, 1927. Digitised by Peter Christian, August, 2016. This text is in the Public Domain.