Sailors & Marine Oilers
AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman), Able Seaman, Deckhand, Deckhand Engineer
What they do:
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
On the job, you would:
- Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
Knowledge
Transportation
- movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Math and Science
- geography
Skills
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- figuring out how to use new ideas or things
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Vision
- see details that are far away
- decide which thing is closer or farther away from you or decide how far away it is from you
Visual Understanding
- quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Cautiousness
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
- Cooperation
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Data base user interface and query software
- KNMI TurboWin
- Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook
Education
Education: (rated 1 of 4)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Captains, Mates, & Pilots of Water Vessels
- Dredge Operators
- Motorboat Operators
- Riggers
- Ship Engineers
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about Sailors & Marine Oilers.