Dock workers, lashers, crane drivers, checkers and marine staff all share that environment. Their kit has to keep them visible, warm, dry and protected from heavy, moving loads. Standard site kit is rarely enough.
Seen among the machines
Container terminals and bulk berths are full of large vehicles with big blind spots. Most ports require EN ISO 20471 hi-vis for anyone on foot, and Class 3 jackets with hi-vis trousers are common on quays. Your port's site rules or risk assessment set the class and colour.
Salt and diesel grime dull fluorescent fabric and tape over time. Replace kit when it stops looking bright.
Wind, water and salt
Rain on a quay is often horizontal. Waterproof hi-vis to EN 343 with a hood that fits over a helmet, sealed seams and storm cuffs is the foundation of a port wardrobe. Underneath, thermals and a hi-vis fleece build warmth that can be stripped back when working hard.
Near the quay edge or on vessels, a lifejacket or buoyancy aid is often required by the port's rules. Make sure outer layers are compatible.
Lashing, loads and heavy steel
Lashing gangs handle heavy bars, twistlocks and turnbuckles, often on wet steel decks. EN 388 rated gloves, EN ISO 20345 S3 boots with good grip, helmets and eye protection are usual. Check your port's PPE rules for the exact requirements. Wet steel is slippery and cold. Thermal-lined gloves help in winter, and boots should be checked often for worn soles, as grip fades fast on salty decks.
Cold, wet shifts on the quay
Port work goes on through the winter, often in wind and rain off the water. Layering a thermal base layer under a hi-vis fleece and a waterproof hi-vis jacket keeps people warm without losing visibility. Check every garment's hi-vis class against the port's rules, and replace hi-vis once it fades or the tape cracks.
Where to put your logo
Printed logos are the norm on port hi-vis. Place them on the fluorescent fabric only, never on the reflective tape, and keep designs modest so the garment stays in class. A company name across the back panel helps supervisors identify gangs and contractors on a busy terminal. Embroidery works well on fleeces, softshells and polos for office, planning and marine staff.
Ordering for port and dock workers
Most port and dock workers start with hi-vis jackets and rainwear, hi-vis trousers and hi-vis hoodies and fleeces. You can order from one garment and add more as you take people on. The logo price drops at 9 and again at 25 garments, and every garment with a small logo counts towards it, so mixing styles and colours still gets the better price. Before anything is made, we embroider an actual sample of your logo and email you a photo to approve, or you can pop in to our Hull workshop to see it.
