Also known as:
Able Seaman, Deck Cadet, Deck Hand, Deckhand, Merchant Mariner, Merchant Seaman, Ordinary Seaman, Sailor, Vessel Ordinary Seaman
SNAPSHOT
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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.
| Leadership |
HIGH
|
| Critical decision making |
LOW
|
| Level of responsibilities |
HIGH
|
| Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines |
LOW
|
| Dealing and handling conflict |
LOW
|
| Competition for this position |
LOW
|
| Communication with others |
HIGH
|
| Work closely with team members, clients etc. |
HIGH
|
| Comfort of the work setting |
LOW
|
| Exposure to extreme environmental conditions |
HIGH
|
| Exposure to job hazards |
LOW
|
| Physical demands |
MED
|
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DAILY TASKS
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| Maintain government-issued certifications, as required. |
| Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur. |
| 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. |
| Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools. |
| Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses. |
| Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery. |
| Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks. |
| Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear. |
| Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port. |
| Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system. |
| Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines. |
MAIN ACTIVITIES
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| Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events |
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Handling and Moving Objects |
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material |
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings |
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Controlling Machines and Processes |
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment |
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft. |
| Getting Information |
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment |
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles. |
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
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| Mechanical |
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. |
| Public Safety and Security |
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. |
| Transportation |
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits. |
| Engineering and Technology |
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
| English Language |
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| Customer and Personal Service |
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Administration and Management |
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Mathematics |
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
KEY ABILITIES
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| Far Vision |
The ability to see details at a distance. |
| Multilimb Coordination |
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
| Problem Sensitivity |
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| Depth Perception |
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object. |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness |
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
| Oral Comprehension |
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| Auditory Attention |
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds. |
| Control Precision |
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
TOP SKILLS
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| Operation Monitoring |
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
| Operation and Control |
Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
| Monitoring |
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| Active Listening |
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Coordination |
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| Critical Thinking |
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| Troubleshooting |
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. |
| Equipment Maintenance |
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. |
