Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Crane and Tower Operators
Dredge Operators
Hoist and Winch Operators
Motorboat Operators
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Op...
CAREER
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$48,400
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+0.9% (little or no change)
Career
What Sailors and Marine Oilers 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.
Other Job Titles Sailors and Marine Oilers May Have
Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman), Able Bodied Watchman (AB Watchman), Able Seaman, Boat Crew Deck Hand, Bosun, Deck Hand, Deckhand, Deckhand Engineer, Oiler, Tankerman
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- 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.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Sailors and Marine Oilers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
