Inspectors should be great at:

• Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Any supervisor should excel at:

• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment.
• Detecting or assessing problems whether real or potential.
• Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

• Preparing and submitting reports after completion of freight shipments.
• Inspecting shipments for ensuring that freight is securely braced and blocked.
• Recording details about freight conditions, handling of freight, and any problems encountered.
• Advising crews in techniques of stowing dangerous and heavy cargo.
• Observing loading of freight for ensuring that crews are complying with procedures.
• Recommending remedial procedures for correcting any violations found during inspections.
• Inspecting loaded cargo, cargo lashed to decks or in storage facilities, and cargo handling devices for determining compliance with health and safety regulations and need for maintenance.
• Measuring ships’ holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.
• Notifying workers of any special treatment required for shipments.
• Directing crews for reloading freight or for inserting additional bracing or packing as necessary.
• Checking temperature and humidity of the shipping and storage areas for ensuring that they are at appropriate levels for protecting the cargo.