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Sailors and Marine Oilers

Also called: Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman), Able Seaman, Deck Hand, Deckhand

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:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Transportation

  • movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

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

Hearing and Speech

  • pay attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds
  • tell the difference between sounds

Vision

  • see details that are far away

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Initiative

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Data base user interface and query software

  • KNMI TurboWin
  • Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $47,490

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.

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