Career summary

Details for Sailors and Marine Oilers


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.

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
  • Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
  • Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
  • Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
  • Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
  • Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
  • Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.
  • Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
  • Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
  • Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.
  • Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
  • Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
  • Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker lights or semaphores.
  • Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
  • Participate in shore patrols.
  • Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.
  • Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.
  • Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

None found.

Skills

None found.

Related careers