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.
Common Job Titles
- Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman)
- Able Seaman
- Deck Hand
- Deckhand
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate vessel safety compliance and equipment readiness following maritime regulatory requirements and government-issued certification standards.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate cargo-handling gear, winches, and deck machinery during loading and unloading operations under supervision of ship officers.Proficient
- KnowledgeIdentify navigational hazards and obstructions in vessel path while standing watch on bridge or deck, measuring water depth and monitoring surroundings.Proficient
- Hands-onHandle mooring lines, anchor chains, and rigging equipment during docking and anchoring operations in various weather conditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess emergency situations and equipment failures responding independently with firefighting systems, lifesaving equipment, and emergency generators.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform mechanical equipment repairs and maintenance on deck systems using hand tools, welders, and hydraulic equipment to preserve vessel operations.Developing
- Hands-onExecute liquid cargo transfer operations using pumps and transfer hoses while maintaining tankerman certification on liquid-carrying vessels.Developing
- MindsetRespect chain of command protocols and maritime safety procedures when receiving and carrying out directives from captain, mate, or pilot.Developing
- KnowledgeApply public safety and security knowledge to vessel operations monitoring processes, documenting logbook entries, and maintaining situational awareness.Developing
- Hands-onPerform preservation tasks including chipping, painting, and surface preparation to maintain vessel painted surfaces and prevent corrosion on deck and superstructure.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Sailors and Marine Oilers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
31,360
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $33,350. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $49,610. 75th percentile: U.S. $65,370. 90th percentile: U.S. $81,890. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $33,350 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $81,890 |
| Workers on average earn | $55,320 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Transportation3.1/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- KNMI TurboWin
- Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook
- Log book software
- Operating system software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Air chippers
- Anti-exposure coveralls
- Bilge pumping systems
- Blinker lights
- Bolt cutters
- Bridge telephones
- Carbon dioxide CO2 firefighting systems
- Cargo booms