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- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Also called : Boat Captain, Boat Operator, Captain, Ferry Boat Captain, First Mate, Ship Captain, Ship Pilot, Tugboat Captain, Tugboat Mate, Vessel Master
What they do
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
On the job, one would
- Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
- Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
- Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
- Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
KNOWLEDGE
- Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- 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.
- Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
SKILLS
- Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- 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.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
ABILITIES
- Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- 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 that there is a problem.
- Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- 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.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
TECHNOLOGY
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Facilities management software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Route navigation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
- Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.