#MeetMetroCruise: This month we introduce you to Ian Jason! Ian is a valued member of our team who in the last 8 years has moved from a Trainee Superintendent to Operations Manager, working to ensure a safe and successful stevedoring operation at the historic Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
Let’s hear more from Ian -
Q: As an Operations Manager, what would you say is the most important aspect of your job?
A: The most important aspect is to make sure my team is prepared for a vessel operation and that we execute our plan safely and effectively. This can lead to juggling many things at once in a single day as we discharge and then load back the ship with provisions, hotel supplies, and luggage for boarding passengers within a 9–10-hour window.
As a Stevedore Operations Manager I am the point of contact for the vessel's crew, our ILWU Labor, Terminal Staff, Ground Guest Services, and Security, so being able to build relationships and working together with these groups is vital to a successful full-turn operation which can see anywhere from 5,000-10,000 passengers moving through the terminal.
Q: That seems like a huge feat for a 9–10-hour workday. What’s the trick to getting it all done seamlessly?
A: The key to accomplishing everything during this window is to do anything we can to keep everything flowing and make sure pallets are discharged and loaded in a particular order. For example, we get the hotel supplies loaded before luggage due to space on board, and for provisions we load what the ship needs to put away in their frozen and fridge lockers first.
Q: You must have a great team. What’s it like working with them?
A: There’s a culture of mutual respect. We all come from different backgrounds, but we have a synergy that helps us achieve a collective goal. I have been doing this for 8 years and recognize there are always new things to learn and ways to improve in this role. My direct supervisor and ILWU partners have been working cruise vessel operations for over 20 years and I consider it a huge benefit to learn from their experiences. We are always collaborating and striving to provide an excellent service.
Q: Describe a perfect day at work.
A: The perfect day includes the ship and all our delivery trucks arriving on time and warm sunny weather. Thankfully this happens often at our Long Beach site.
Q: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: Although I board cruise ships daily while on the job, I have yet to set sail on one.
Q: What would you want people who are considering a job at Metro Cruise Services to know?
A: We have a great team, there is room for growth, and the work is very satisfying! ⚓
Port of Long Beach Carnival Cruise Line Shawn Bundy Anthony Newman
Long, complex project. Congratulations everyone!