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.
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.
Tasks
Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear.
Lubricate machinery, equipment, and engine parts such as gears, shafts, and bearings.
Load or unload materials from vessels.
Operate, maintain, and repair ship equipment such as winches, cranes, derricks, and weapons system.
Overhaul lifeboats and lifeboat gear, and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while they are in port.
Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings in order to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses.
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers, or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot, and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
Maintain government-issued certifications as required.
Clean and polish wood trim, brass, and other metal parts.
Participate in shore patrols.
Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices such as blinker lights and semaphores.
Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
Attach hoses and operate pumps in order to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
Record in ships' logs data such as weather conditions and distances traveled.
Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.
Examine machinery to verify specified pressures and lubricant flows.
Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays, and record data in engineering logs.
Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses and quarterdecks.
Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, and sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
Provide engineers with assistance in repairing and adjusting machinery.
Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, and cordage, using marlinespikes, wirecutters, twine, and hand tools.
Skills
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.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Knowledge
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
School Classes
Wages
In 2007, the California average annual wage was:
$20,661 for entry level workers, and
$40,722 for experienced workers.
Outlook
During 2006, there were approximately 2,200 people employed in this field in CA.
We estimate that in 2016 there will be 2,400 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 20 new positions each year (.90%). Additionally, 80 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.
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