Will “Wheelman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Wheelman” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #461 out of #702, where higher means 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 “Wheelman”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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