Sailors and Marine Oilers

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.

Median Annual Wage: $39,100

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Deckhand; Oiler; Deck Hand; Able Seaman; Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman); Able Bodied Watchman (AB Watchman); Bosun; Merchant Marine; Quarter Master; Able Bodied Tankerman (AB Tankerman)

Browse Job Listings

Browse Schools

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sailors and Marine Oilers.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • 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.
  • Load or unload materials from vessels.
  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sailors and Marine Oilers.

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • 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.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Sailors and Marine Oilers.

Search Local Job Listings