MyMajors Career Profile

Typical Tasks

Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.

Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.

Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.

Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.

Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic

Practical, Physical Work

Conventional

Organized, Procedural Work

Enterprising

Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability

Self-Control

Leadership

Stress Tolerance

Attention to Detail

Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operation and Control

Monitoring

Speaking

Critical Thinking

Operations Monitoring

Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

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.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.

Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.

Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

High school diploma 42%
Post-secondary certificate 37%
Bachelor's degree 8%
Some college 5%
Less than high school 4%
Other 3%

Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

What they do:

Also Called:

Typical Tasks

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

What key skills are needed for this job?