Water Transportation Workers
Water transportation workers operate and maintain various types of vessels on rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and oceans. These professionals range from sailors and marine oilers who perform deck operations and equipment maintenance, to captains and pilots who command vessels, to engineers who oversee mechanical systems. They handle cargo operations, navigate waterways, ensure vessel safety, and may require specialized licenses depending on their role.
🎬Career Video
🤖AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 3/6: low AI task exposure, limited human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
4% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+2% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 9/25
📋Key Responsibilities
- •Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- •Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- •Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- •Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- •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.
- •Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- •Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
- •Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
💡Inside This Career
Water transportation workers begin their days with safety checks and weather assessments, preparing vessels for another day on the water. Whether aboard massive cargo ships crossing oceans or compact ferries shuttling passengers across harbors, these professionals maintain constant vigilance over their craft and cargo. Their mornings typically involve inspecting equipment, reviewing navigation charts, and coordinating with crew members to ensure smooth operations. Bridge officers plot courses and monitor radio communications, while deck crews prepare lines and check mechanical systems. The rhythmic hum of engines and the sound of water against hulls provide the soundtrack to their workday.
Throughout their shifts, water transportation workers manage the delicate balance between human passengers, valuable cargo, and the unpredictable nature of waterways. They navigate through busy shipping channels, respond to changing weather conditions, and maintain detailed logs of their vessel's position and status. Collaboration flows naturally as crew members work together during docking procedures, emergency drills, and routine maintenance tasks. Engine room personnel monitor complex mechanical systems while deck officers handle the intricate choreography of loading and unloading operations.
The variety in water transportation keeps workers engaged across different seasons and routes. One day might involve guiding a tourist vessel through scenic coastal waters, while another requires the precision of maneuvering a commercial barge through narrow river channels. These professionals develop deep expertise in reading water conditions, understanding tidal patterns, and maintaining the mechanical systems that power maritime commerce. Their work connects communities, supports global trade, and keeps people and goods moving safely across waterways of all sizes.
📈Career Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
📚Education & Training
Requirements
- •Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- •Experience: Some experience helpful
- •On-the-job Training: Few months to one year
Time & Cost
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Find jobs and training programs for water transportation workers- Median salary: $72K/year
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💻Technology Skills
⭐Key Abilities
🏷️Also Known As
📑Specializations
This career includes 4 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $94,270 | 🟡 | 53-5031.00 | View details | ||
| $88,730 | 🟠 | 53-5021.00 | View details | ||
| $48,400 | 🟡 | 53-5011.00 | View details | ||
| $46,420 | 🟡 | 53-5022.00 | View details |
🔗Related Careers
Other careers in transportation
🔗Data Sources
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