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Sailors and Marine Oilers

Transportation and Material Moving (53-5011)

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.

At a Glance

Sailors and Marine Oilers earns a median of $49,610/yr with +2.3% projected growth. Typical entry: No formal educational credential. Top skills: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings, Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events.

Median Annual Wage

$49,610/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+2.3%

Annual Openings

4

Typical Education

No formal educational credential

Skills & Requirements

Skills (3)

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.9
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.6
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.3

Abilities (15)

Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

4.0
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.9
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.8
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.8
Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.8
Depth Perception

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

3.8
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.6
Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

3.6
Auditory Attention

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

3.6
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.5
Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

3.4
Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

3.3
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.3
Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

3.3
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3

Technology (6)

Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (22)

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.8
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.6
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.6
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.5
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

4.2
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.2
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

4.2
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

4.1
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.9
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.9
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.9
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.8
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.7
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.6
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.5
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.4
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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