Motorboat Operators

Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

Median Annual Wage: $37,120

Education: Post-secondary certificate (47%); Some college, no degree (26%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Launch Operator; Boat Operator; Crew Boat Operator; Water Taxi Operator; Launchman; Watch Leader; Charter Boat Operator; Pilot Boat Operator

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Motorboat Operators.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
  • Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
  • Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
  • Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
  • Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
  • Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.
  • Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.
  • Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
  • Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
  • Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.
  • Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.
  • Clean boats and repair hulls and superstructures, using hand tools, paint, and brushes.
  • Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Motorboat Operators.

  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Motorboat Operators.

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