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Sailors and Marine Oilers

Typical education: High school diplomaModerate pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $51,520 Median per year · $24.77/hr Most earn $34,560–$83,620

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
  • Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
  • Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
  • Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
  • Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
  • Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 3,600 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Inland water transportation27.2%
  • Support activities for water transportation21.2%
  • Deep sea, coastal, and great lakes water transportation14.1%
  • Federal government, excluding postal service7.8%
  • Scenic and sightseeing transportation, water6.2%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: 6 months to 1 year

This is an entry-level job. Many people start right after high school, and the typical related experience before it is about 6 months to 1 year. You will need government-issued certification, and tankerman certification if you work on liquid-carrying vessels.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    A diploma is the usual minimum education, and it gives you the basic math, science, and reading skills used on board.

  2. Deckhand or entry-level waterfront helper

    6 months to 1 year

    Working on a boat, dock, or marina teaches you knots, line handling, deck safety, and how a crew works together, which is the experience employers look for.

  3. Sailor and Marine Oiler (Ordinary Seaman)

    Ongoing

    As an ordinary seaman you stand watch, handle cargo gear and rigging, and do maintenance under the direction of the mate or captain, while you earn the certifications the job requires.

Where it can lead

  1. Able Seaman

    1 to 3 years of experience first

    You take on more responsibility for watch duties, rigging, and training newer crew members, and you need strong skills and a good safety record to move up.

  2. Mate (Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels)

    2 to 4 years of experience first

    Mates lead deck crews, plan routes, and oversee safety, and this role usually requires further training and a license on top of sea time.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take math and physical scienceAlgebra, geometry, physics, and earth science help with navigation, weather, and how engines and ships work.
  • Get a part-time job near waterWork at a marina, boat rental, fishing dock, or harbor gives you hands-on experience with boats and crews.
  • Earn a first aid and CPR certificationMany ship jobs require safety training, and this certificate shows you can respond in emergencies.
  • Join a sailing, rowing, or Sea Scouts groupThese groups teach knots, boat handling, teamwork, and water safety.
  • Take a swimming or water-safety courseStrong swimming and water safety skills are important for anyone who works on or around vessels.

In college

  • Look into a maritime or marine transportation programIf your school or a nearby college offers one, it can give you formal training in seamanship, safety, and ship operations.
  • Take safety and first aid coursesBasic safety and emergency training shows employers you are ready for life at sea and meets common entry requirements.
  • Find a summer job or internship on a vessel or at a portSea time is one of the most valuable things you can build, and it counts toward experience employers ask for.
  • Ask about tankerman and government certification requirementsKnowing what certificates you need, and how to get them, helps you plan your training around your schedule.
  • Join a campus sailing, rowing, or outdoors clubThese clubs build teamwork, boat skills, and comfort on the water that will help in a job interview.

Tips for getting started

  • Look into the government certifications and tankerman training early, since they are required for many jobs and some courses take time to complete.
  • Get any water-based job you can, even part-time, and keep a record of your hours and supervisors so you can show experience later.
  • Be ready for physical work, odd hours, and time away from home; being reliable and comfortable around water helps you get hired.

Related jobs that often lead here

  • Riggers 3 to 6 months of experience

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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