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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.

What you’d do

  • Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
  • 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.
  • Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
  • Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
  • Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
  • Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
  • Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.

Skills that matter

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Repairing
  • Troubleshooting

How to get there

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

Also called

  • AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman)
  • Able Seaman
  • Deckhand
  • Deckhand Engineer
  • AB Watchman (Able Bodied Watchman)
  • Deck Hand

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