Sailor / Deckhand / Marine Oiler
Quick Facts
Median Salary$52,604
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+16.42%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Sailor, Deckhand, or Marine Oiler operates boats and equipment on boats and manages sails on sailboats. Performs a variety of manual labor tasks on boats and cargo vessels, including hauling goods, operating equipment, or cleaning the boat. Lubricates parts of marine equipment to maintain boat engines and auxiliary equipment.
Core Tasks:
- Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- 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.
- Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
- Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
- Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
- Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
- Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
- Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
- Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
- Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
- Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.
- Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
- Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
- Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
- Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.
What to expect as a Sailor / Deckhand / Marine Oiler
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
27% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Sailor / Deckhand / Marine Oiler related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
1089 openings for Sailors / Deckhands / Marine Oilers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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