Pontoon Worker (Shipbuilding)
ぽんすこう（ぞうせん）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A job involving cutting, processing, assembling, and welding pontoons and other steel members that form part of the hull structure at shipyards.
Description
Pontoon Worker (Shipbuilding) specializes in pontoons that support the buoyancy and structure of ships, and other steel members. Based on drawings, they cut, bend process, weld, and assemble steel plates and shaped steel. They process members using plasma cutting machines, gas cutters, arc welding machines, etc., and handle large members using cranes and forklifts. While conducting quality inspections and dimension management in accordance with safety regulations, they proceed with the work and hand over the completed members to the hull assembly process.
Future Outlook
Although influenced by the shipbuilding industry's conditions, demand for processing large steel structures continues due to larger ship designs and modularization. The introduction of automation technology and robot welding requires qualifications and multi-skilling for skilled workers.
Personality Traits
Good Teamwork / High Safety Awareness / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Career Path
Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice → Pontoon Worker → Sheet Metal Worker and Welder → Group Leader → Workshop Foreman
Required Skills
Arc Welding / Bending Processing / Blueprint Reading / Crane and Forklift Operation / Plasma Cutting
Recommended Skills
CAD (Simple Drafting) / English (Technical Literature Reading) / Safety and Health Management / Welding Inspection
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because welding quality and dimensional accuracy directly affect the safety of the hull. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because it involves handling large steel materials, mainly standing work, requiring physical stamina. |
| Stress Tolerance | Due to high-altitude work, heavy labor, strict safety management, and high physical load. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | High creativity is not required as work is mainly done following drawings. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Complex mathematical analysis is minimal, mainly reading dimensions. |
Related Qualifications
- Arc Welder
- Forklift Operation Skills Training
- Gas Welder
- Slinging Skills Training
Related Jobs
- Hull Assembler
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Shipbuilding Ironworker
- Welder