Will “Lighterman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Lighterman” 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 “Lighterman”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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