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Sailors and Marine Oilers - 53-5011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Deckhand
  • Deck Hand
  • Able Seaman
  • Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman)
  • Able Bodied Watchman (AB Watchman)
  • Bosun
  • Merchant Marine
  • Oiler
  • Quarter Master
  • Able Bodied Tankerman (AB Tankerman)

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
  • Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
  • Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
  • Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.
  • Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
  • Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.
  • Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
  • Load or unload materials from vessels.
  • Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
  • Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
  • Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
  • Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
  • Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.
  • Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
  • Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
  • Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
  • Participate in shore patrols.
  • Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
  • Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
  • Record in ships' logs data such as weather conditions and distances traveled.
  • Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker lights or semaphores.
  • Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
  • Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
  • Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.
  • 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.
  • Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
  • Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
  • Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.

Detailed Work Activities

  • clean rooms or work areas
  • deploy running gear on watercraft
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct course or speed of ship
  • dismantle or reassemble rigging
  • handle boat or ship tie-off lines
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • load/unload passenger luggage or cargo
  • lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
  • maintain daily logs or records
  • maintain or repair boat or ship hull or superstructure
  • maintain or repair ship/boat engine, machinery or equipment
  • maintain production or work records
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • measure water depth
  • mend or repair fishing nets or other watercraft gear
  • monitor sonar or navigational aids
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • operate cargo handling gear
  • operate emergency fire or rescue equipment
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate navigation technology or equipment
  • order helmsperson to steer vessel
  • perform safety inspections in transportation setting
  • read maps
  • read navigation charts
  • recognize reefs, shoals, or other hazards by navigation aids
  • repair specialized rigging
  • set up specialized rigging
  • signal directions or warnings to coworkers
  • stand watch on vessel
  • steer boat or ship
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use geographic positioning system (GPS)
  • use hand or power tools
  • use knowledge of seamanship or boat handling
  • use knowledge of tides and currents
  • use local or regional geographical knowledge to transportation
  • use stationary rigging aboard ship
  • use two-way radio or mobile phone
  • use weighing or measuring devices in transportation

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Seaman (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Seaman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Seaman Apprentice (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Seaman Recruit (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Special Warfare Boat Operator (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Able Seaman

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Able Seaman
  • Deckhand
  • Marine Oiler
  • Ordinary Seaman
  • Quartermaster
  • Sailor, Pleasure Craft