O*NET-SOC 53-5021.00

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.Core23802
Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.Core23803
Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.Core23804
Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.Core23805
Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.Core23806
Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.Core23807
Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.Core23808
Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.Core23809
Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.Core23810
Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.Core23811
Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.Supplemental23827
Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.Core23812
Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.Core23813
Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.Core23814
Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.Core23815
Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.Core23817
Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.Core23816
Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.Supplemental23828
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.Core23819
Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.Core23818
Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.Core23820
Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.Core23821
Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.Core23822
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.Core23823
Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.Core23824
Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.Supplemental23829
Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.Core23825
Purchase supplies or equipment.Core23826
Interview and hire crew members.Supplemental23830
Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.23831

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 18 examples in 13 categories, 7 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Operating system software

Apple macOSHot Technology

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk RevitHot Technology

Facilities management software

Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Route navigation software

FURUNO navigational chart software
Jeppesen Marine Nobeltec Admiral
JRC navigation software
Maptech The CAPN
Navigational chart software

Analytical or scientific software

Groundwater modeling system GMS

Data base user interface and query software

KNMI TurboWin
Log book software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Calendar and scheduling software

Microsoft Office Outlook

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Electronic mail software

Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

SHIPNEXT

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

Read maps to determine routes.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor work environment to ensure safety or adherence to specifications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

Determine geographic coordinates.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Scheduling Work and Activities

Arrange maintenance activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

Operate communications equipment or systems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Operate ships or other watercraft.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Maintain watercraft engines or machinery.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record operational details of travel.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Communicate with others to coordinate material handling or movement.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Assisting and Caring for Others

Assist others during emergencies.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Provide safety training.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Direct maintenance or repair activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Direct material handling or moving activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Recommend personnel decisions or human resources activities.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Acquire supplies or equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 25

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.