Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Medium46.86%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$44,600
Median$88,730
High (90th %)$161,510
AI Prompt Guides for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
The occupation "Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels" has an estimated automation risk of 46.9%, which is very close to its base risk of 47.5%. This moderate risk indicates that while a significant portion of the role’s duties can potentially be automated, there remain key responsibilities that require human intervention. The evolving landscape of maritime technology, including advancements in autopilot systems and sensors, has increased the automatable share of routine navigational and operational tasks. However, the nuanced decision-making and leadership aspects inherent in the position keep the overall risk below 50%. Among the most automatable tasks in this occupation are those heavily reliant on structured procedures and real-time data interpretation. For instance, "Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards" is primed for automation through sophisticated navigation systems and AI-powered analytics tools. Similarly, automated monitoring and control systems can "Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations," reducing the need for manual oversight. Additionally, "Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth" is becoming increasingly manageable for AI and robotics, aided by technologies like dynamic positioning and sensor arrays for safe docking. Despite these advances, several critical tasks demonstrate considerable resistance to automation, preserving a need for human expertise and judgment. Activities such as "Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills" involve unpredictable human behavior, rapid response, and leadership qualities that are challenging for machines to replicate. Similarly, "Interview and hire crew members" relies on interpersonal skills and the ability to evaluate complex human factors. The assignment of watches and living quarters, which involves an understanding of crew dynamics and welfare, also stands out as a resistant task. Furthermore, bottleneck skills like originality—scored at 2.8% and 2.6%—highlight the profession's dependence on creativity and problem-solving, marking substantial limits to what automation can achieve in the field.
Filter by Automatable Status
Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
Partially Automatable
Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
Partially Automatable
Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
Non-Automatable
Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
Partially Automatable
Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.
Partially Automatable
Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
Partially Automatable
Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
Non-Automatable
Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.
Partially Automatable
Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.
Automatable
Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.
Partially Automatable
Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.
Partially Automatable
Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
Partially Automatable
Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.
Non-Automatable
Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.
Non-Automatable
Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.
Partially Automatable
Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.
Partially Automatable
Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.
Automatable
Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.
Partially Automatable
Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.
Partially Automatable
Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.
Partially Automatable
Purchase supplies or equipment.
Partially Automatable
Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.
Non-Automatable
Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.
Partially Automatable
Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.
Automatable
Interview and hire crew members.
Partially Automatable
Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.
Non-Automatable
Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
Partially Automatable
Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.
Automatable
Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.
Automatable
Direct or coordinate crew members or workers performing activities such as loading or unloading cargo, steering vessels, operating engines, or operating, maintaining, or repairing ship equipment.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingLaw and Government
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the Organization
Groundwater modeling system GMSAutodesk RevitMicrosoft PowerPointApple macOSKNMI TurboWinFURUNO navigational chart softwareJeppesen Marine Nobeltec AdmiralMicrosoft OutlookJRC navigation softwareNavigational chart softwareSHIPNEXTGroundwater modeling system GMSMicrosoft PowerPointApple macOSFURUNO navigational chart softwareJRC navigation softwareNavigational chart softwareSHIPNEXTMaptech The CAPNMicrosoft OutlookAutodesk RevitComputerized maintenance management system CMMSComputerized maintenance management system CMMSMicrosoft Office OutlookMicrosoft Office OutlookKNMI TurboWinLog book softwareLog book softwareJeppesen Marine Nobeltec AdmiralMaptech The CAPNMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Fishing and Hunting Workers
Low26.38%
Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.
Commercial Divers
Low26.77%
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Riggers
Low19.42%
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Medium61.58%
Supervise and coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing, and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage. May determine the quantity and orientation of cargo and compute aircraft center of gravity. May accompany aircraft as member of flight crew and monitor and handle cargo in flight, and assist and brief passengers on safety and emergency procedures. Includes loadmasters.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Medium55.65%
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Low31.77%
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.
Motorboat Operators
Medium33.94%
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Medium54.95%
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Dredge Operators
Medium53.66%
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
Hoist and Winch Operators
Low24.71%
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Medium44.23%
Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.