helmsman/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — helmsman

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 53-5011.00 (Sailors and Marine Oilers).

Task statements

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

Detailed work activities

• Assist others during emergencies.
• Clean vessels or marine equipment.
• Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.
• Control pumps or pumping equipment.
• Direct maintenance or repair activities.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
• Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
• Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
• Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
• Maintain watercraft engines or machinery.
• Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids.
• Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
• Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
• Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
• Operate ships or other watercraft.
• Paint surfaces or equipment.
• Record operational details of travel.
• Record operational or production data.
• Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels.
• Set up material handling gear or equipment, such as rigging, packaging, or temporary structures.
• Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
• Verify information or specifications.