Will “Able Seaman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Able Seaman” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #461 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-5011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 46,170.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 22.00
Currently, there are 32,530 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Sailors and Marine Oilers”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Able Seaman”

Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker lights or semaphores.
Participate in shore patrols.
Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.
Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.
Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.
Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.
Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
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.
Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
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.
Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.
Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.
Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.

Related Technology & Tools

Radar navigation systems
Emergency generators
Mechanical telegraphs
Filter masks
Hydraulic capstans
Respirators
Gear pumps
Steam winches
Personal computers
Life jackets
Chipping hammers
Cargo hooks
Fids
Centrifugal cargo pumps
Ship alarm systems
Bridge telephones
Hydraulic mooring winches
Natural fiber mooring ropes
Electric windlasses
Riding pawls
Semaphores
Voice pipes
Ship anchor chocks
Galvanized thimbles
Desktop computers
Portable fire extinguishers
Gyrocompasses
Pyrotechnic distress signals
Sharpening steels
Grabbing cranes
Metal chisels
Hand punches
Cargo derricks
Portable gas detectors
Wire cutters
Lifting spreaders
Sounding tapes
Cargo booms
Electric deck cranes
Thermal protective aids TPA
Air chippers
Mooring chains
Mooring cables
Sounding rods
Magnet hoists
Life buoys
Lifeboat davits
Engine room alarm systems
Foam firefighting systems
Electric telegraphs
Forklifts
Sewing needles
Hand capstans
Safety helmets
Pipe wrenches
Oil dispensing cans
Safety glasses
Hydraulic windlasses
Safety lanyards
Explosimeters
Pilot ladders
Container lift trucks
Blinker lights
Bilge pumping systems
Fire hoses
Claw hammers
Hand windlasses
Lifeboats
Lifting slings
Centrifugal ventilators
Radio direction finders RDF
Synthetic mooring ropes
Emergency position-indicating radio beacons
Ratchet sets
Spanner wrenches
Bolt cutters
Life rings
Signal flags
Carbon dioxide CO2 firefighting systems
Grease dispensing guns
Manual winches
Anti-exposure coveralls
Reciprocating pumps
Wire splicers
Safety belts
Hydraulic deck cranes
Chain cargo falls
Locking jaw pliers
Two way radios
Electric mooring winches
Tank level gauges
Crescent wrenches
Magnetic compasses
Welders
Workshop vises
Liquid cargo transfer hoses
Sheave blocks

KNMI TurboWin
Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook
Log book software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word