skipper/references/tasks.md

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.