# Tasks & work activities — skipper

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 53-5021.00 (Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3152; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- **[Core]** Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
- **[Core]** Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
- **[Core]** Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
- **[Core]** Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
- **[Core]** Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.
- **[Core]** Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.
- **[Core]** Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
- **[Core]** Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.
- **[Core]** Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.
- **[Core]** Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.
- **[Core]** Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.
- **[Core]** Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.
- **[Core]** Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.
- **[Core]** Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.
- **[Core]** Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.
- **[Core]** Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.
- **[Core]** Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.
- **[Core]** Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.
- **[Core]** Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.
- **[Core]** Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.
- **[Core]** Direct or coordinate crew members or workers performing activities such as loading or unloading cargo, steering vessels, operating engines, or operating, maintaining, or repairing ship equipment.
- **[Core]** Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.
- **[Core]** Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.
- **[Core]** Purchase supplies or equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.
- **[Supplemental]** Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.
- **[Supplemental]** Interview and hire crew members.
- **[nan]** Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.

## Detailed work activities

- Acquire supplies or equipment.
- Arrange maintenance activities.
- Assist others during emergencies.
- Choose optimal transportation routes or speeds.
- Communicate with others to coordinate material handling or movement.
- Determine geographic coordinates.
- Direct maintenance or repair activities.
- Direct material handling or moving activities.
- Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
- Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
- 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 equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
- Monitor work environment to ensure safety or adherence to specifications.
- Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
- Operate communications equipment or systems.
- Operate ships or other watercraft.
- Provide safety training.
- Read maps to determine routes.
- Recommend personnel decisions or human resources activities.
- Record operational details of travel.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.