CareerGPS

Ship and Boat Captains
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
146 154 8 5.42% 2 18 20 $36.62 $76,168 Postsecondary nondegree award
Description: Command vessels in oceans, bays, lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, and lighthouses.
  • Compute positions, set courses, and determine speeds, by using charts, area plotting sheets, compasses, sextants, and knowledge of local conditions.
  • Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment, and conformance to regulations.
  • Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
  • Direct and coordinate crew members or workers performing activities such as loading and unloading cargo, steering vessels, operating engines, and operating, maintaining, and repairing ship equipment.
  • Monitor the loading and discharging of cargo or passengers.
  • Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices, and following contour lines on charts.
  • Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, and radios.
  • Maintain boats and equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, and life preservers.
  • Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates and ramps, and pull guard chains across entries.
  • Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, and oxygen.
  • Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, and/or cargo and passenger status.
  • Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, and/or repaired.
  • Assign watches and living quarters to crew members.
  • Purchase supplies and equipment.

Knowledge

80%
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
78%
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
69%
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
63%
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
61%
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
59%
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
58%
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
56%
Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
56%
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
56%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
55%
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
54%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
54%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

78%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
75%
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
75%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
75%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
75%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
72%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
72%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
69%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
69%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
69%
Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
65%
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
65%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
65%
Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
62%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
62%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
60%
Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
56%
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
56%
Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
53%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
53%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
53%
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
50%
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
50%
Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
50%
Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
50%
Management of Material Resources - Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

Abilities

85%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
81%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
78%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
78%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
75%
Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
75%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
72%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
72%
Spatial Orientation - The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
72%
Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
69%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
69%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
69%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
69%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
66%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
66%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
66%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
62%
Glare Sensitivity - The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
62%
Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
62%
Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
60%
Time Sharing - The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
60%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
60%
Speed of Closure - The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
60%
Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
60%
Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
60%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
56%
Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
56%
Response Orientation - The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
56%
Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
56%
Auditory Attention - The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
56%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
53%
Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
53%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
53%
Rate Control - The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
53%
Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
50%
Number Facility - The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
50%
Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
50%
Hearing Sensitivity - The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

Work Activities

98%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
85%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
84%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
84%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
83%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
80%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
79%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
78%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
78%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
76%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
75%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
74%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
72%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
72%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
71%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
71%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
71%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
70%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
70%
Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
69%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
69%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
68%
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
68%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
68%
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
67%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
67%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
65%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
65%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
63%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
62%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
61%
Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
61%
Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
58%
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
58%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
58%
Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
50%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
50%
Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Interests

Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values

Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.