As the name implies, a ship loader is an individual who participates in the loading and unloading of cargo from various sea vessels. When not actually loading or unloading ships, a ship loader often performs day-to-day upkeep activities on the ship and its cargo. The average loader can expect to spend long periods away from home and aboard a vessel, so both of these things should be taken into account when applying for this position.

The key attribute of the ship loader is versatility. While the name implies that the occupation only consists of loading and unloading a cargo ship, the cargo loader may be responsible for a number of important tasks on board the ship, which include but are not limited to: passenger safety, ship operation, cargo loading and unloading, ship cleanliness and efficiency and ship towing. A cargo loader must be ready to carry out whatever task that is handed down by the chain of command - the ship loader's responsibility is essentially to assure the success of the voyage.

Ship loaders should be in good physical condition and be able to spend extended periods on a ship while still meeting the requirements of their job. Because of the nature of the position, work often needs to be performed seven days a week, often for many hours. Applicants who are not physically fit may have a hard time meeting the demands of this job.