All careers

Motorboat Operators

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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

What you’d do

  • Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
  • Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
  • Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
  • Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
  • Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
  • Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
  • Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
  • Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.

Skills that matter

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Judgment and Decision Making

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Boat Operator
  • Launch Operator
  • River Pilot
  • Water Taxi Business Operator
  • Crew Boat Operator
  • Harbor Pilot

Related careers

See all careers

  • Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

    Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • 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…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Ship Engineers

    Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Riggers

    Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Dredge Operators

    Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one