53-5011.00 · Task explorer
Sailors and Marine Oilers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
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.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 24 tasks, including 10 marked Core and 14 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2026.
24 tasks shown
Core · Task 14457 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
Core · Task 14461 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Core · Task 14462 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
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.
Core · Task 14469 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
Core · Task 14465 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
Core · Task 14472 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
Core · Task 14467 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
Core · Task 14473 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
Core · Task 14471 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
Core · Task 14470 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
Supplemental · Task 14458 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
Supplemental · Task 14460 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
Supplemental · Task 14482 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
Supplemental · Task 14464 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
Supplemental · Task 14476 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
Supplemental · Task 14479 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
Supplemental · Task 14475 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
Supplemental · Task 20935 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.
Supplemental · Task 14468 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
Supplemental · Task 20934 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.
Supplemental · Task 14480 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
Supplemental · Task 14477 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.
Supplemental · Task 14474 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.
Supplemental · Task 14484 · 08/2026 · Incumbent
Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.
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The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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