What Do You Mean by Water Transportation?

Water transportation is one means of moving cargo and passengers from place to place.

Water transportation is the movement of cargo or passengers through or across bodies of water. This can involve ships, ferries, cruise ships, submarines and other water-borne crafts as they travel through oceans, lakes, rivers and other waterways.

History

Trade centers were originally established in North America in order to move abundant natural resources, such as fisheries, timber and furs. The success of this commercial trading to consumers in Europe and other foreign areas prompted the institution of waterways in developing countries.

Benefit

Water transportation consumes less energy and allows larger shipping loads compared to trucking, railroads or air. For example, a water barge can move one ton of cargo 514 miles with just one gallon of gas compared with 202 miles by train and only 59 miles by truck.

Regulation

Within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard regulates the entry, educational and training requirements for most water-transportation jobs. The Coast Guard also offers licenses depending on the type of vessel and occupation.

References

• United States Department of Labor: Water Transportation Occupations
• Career Overview: Water Transportation and Merchant Mariner Careers and Jobs
• Kentucky Riverports: Why Use the River