Transportation and material moving
Sailors and marine oilers
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.
Median pay
$51,520
Growth to 2035
+3%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
3,600
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Sailors and marine oilers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- No formal educational credential
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Sailors and marine oilers: 66% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- 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.
- Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
- Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
- Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
- Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
- Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
Also called: AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman) · AB Watchman (Able Bodied Watchman) · Able Seaman · Deck Hand · Deckhand · Deckhand Engineer · Oiler · Pilot Boat Deckhand
Outlook and AI
Sailors and marine oilers held 33,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 34,100 by 2035 (+3%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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