53-5021.00 · Task explorer
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
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This source lists 30 tasks, including 25 marked Core and 4 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: 08/2022, 11/2020.
30 tasks shown
Core · Task 23802 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
Core · Task 23803 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
Core · Task 23804 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
Core · Task 23805 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
Core · Task 23806 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
Core · Task 23807 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.
Core · Task 23808 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
Core · Task 23809 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
Core · Task 23810 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.
Core · Task 23811 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.
Core · Task 23812 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.
Core · Task 23813 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.
Core · Task 23814 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.
Core · Task 23815 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
Core · Task 23817 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.
Core · Task 23816 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.
Core · Task 23819 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
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.
Core · Task 23818 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.
Core · Task 23820 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.
Core · Task 23821 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.
Core · Task 23822 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.
Core · Task 23823 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
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.
Core · Task 23824 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.
Core · Task 23825 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.
Core · Task 23826 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Purchase supplies or equipment.
Supplemental · Task 23827 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.
Supplemental · Task 23828 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.
Supplemental · Task 23829 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.
Supplemental · Task 23830 · 08/2022 · Incumbent
Interview and hire crew members.
Unspecified · Task 23831 · 11/2020 · Analyst
Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.
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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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