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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Less than high school. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of sailors and marine oilers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Flight Attendants
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Locomotive Engineers
• Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
• Commercial Pilots

Quick questions

How much does a sailors and marine oiler make?

The median pay is $24.77 per hour — roughly $51,500 a year, with the real range running from about $16.61/hr (10th percentile) to $40.20/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a sailors and marine oiler?

The typical entry-level education is: Less than high school. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a sailors and marine oiler actually do all day?

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.