Transportation & Logistics training

Bridge Tender Training

Learn what bridge tenders do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in Bridge Tender training

A practical, general introduction to the bridge tender job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as open a drawbridge safely and lock a boat through a canal, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 8 hours, $74.99.

  • Tuition
    $74.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    8 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a bridge tender does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential bridge tender terms correctly
  • Walk through open a drawbridge safely, lock a boat through a canal, and talk to vessels on VHF step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as Agency training

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 8 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Bridge Tender Role40 min
  • What bridge tenders do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job30 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Bridge Tender Vocabulary50 min
  • Key term: Bascule bridge
  • Key term: Swing bridge
  • Key term: Lift bridge
  • Key term: Lock chamber
  • Key term: Lockage
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities50 min
  • Open and close bridges
  • Stop traffic
  • Operate locks
  • Communicate with vessels
  • Inspect equipment
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step1 hr 45 min
  • How to open a drawbridge safely
  • How to lock a boat through a canal
  • How to talk to vessels on VHF
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology40 min
  • Bridge control panels
  • Traffic gates
  • VHF radios
  • Cameras
  • Lock gates
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards1 hr
  • Confirm spans are clear
  • Lower gates before opening
  • Follow lockout/tagout
  • Communicate clearly
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For40 min
  • Bridge controls
  • Lock operation
  • Marine radio
  • Attention
  • Reliability
MODULE 09Launching Your Bridge Tender Career40 min
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: Agency training
  • Credential overview: Marine radio training
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check40 min
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the bridge tender job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new bridge tender.

Pricing

$74.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Bridge and lock tenders operate and tend bridges, canal locks and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways. BLS reports a median wage of $57,700 (May 2025) and about 300 openings per year. Read the full bridge tender career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Bridge Tender Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course Bridge Tender Training · 8 hours · $74.99 per learner

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Bridge Tender training FAQ
How long is the Bridge Tender training?
About 8 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the Bridge Tender training cost?
$74.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified bridge tender?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding bridge tenders.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


Deckhand Training
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