What You'll Do

  • Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
  • Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
  • Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot, and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
  • Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
  • 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.
  • Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.
  • Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
  • Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
  • Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.88/5
Operation and Control 3.62/5
Monitoring 3.25/5
Active Listening 3.12/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Troubleshooting 3.12/5
Repairing 3.12/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Cooperation, Concern for Others, Attention to Detail, Self-Control

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Far Vision 4.0/5
Control Precision 3.88/5
Oral Comprehension 3.75/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Perceptual Speed 3.75/5
Depth Perception 3.75/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.62/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Computerized maintenance management system CMMS KNMI TurboWin Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook Log book software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Operating system software Word processing software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.31/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.28/5)
  • Concern for Others (High importance: 4.05/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 3.99/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 3.97/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman) Able Bodied Watchman (AB Watchman) Able Seaman Aerographer's Mate Barge Hand Barge Worker Bargeman Boat Crew Deck Hand Boat Deckhand Boat Hand Boat Laborer Boat Person Boatman Boatswain's Mate Bosun Buoy Tender Cabin Worker Cadet Captain's Assistant Crew Member Crewman Deck Cadet Deck Hand Deck Mate Deckhand Deckhand Engineer Ferry Hand Ferryman Float Tender Floater Floatman Handyman Lighterman Lookout Marine Firefighter Marine Fireman Marine Oiler Marine Technician Marine Water Tender Mariner Master at Arms Merchant Marine Merchant Mariner Merchant Seaman Oiler Ordinary Seaman Pleasure Craft Sailor Quartermaster Refrigerating Oiler River Transportation Worker Riverman Roustabout Sailor Scaler Scow Hand Scowman Seaman Ship Laborer Steerer Steersman Tankerman Vessel Ordinary Seaman Water Tender Wheelman Wiper Yacht Hand Yachtsman Yeoman