Career Exploration Guide

SOC: 53-5021

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats, that travel into and out of harbors, estuaries, straits, and sounds and on rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard. Exclude "Motorboat Operators" (53-5022).

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Education:		Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

OJT:		Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Tasks:		Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses. Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks. Adjust navigation according to weather conditions. Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations. Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.

License:		No ASPA applications fees; however, applicants are advised to check with the U.S. Coast Guard for a full list of their license fee schedule.

Outlook:		Satisfactory

Alabama Employment Outlook

Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage		Annual Wage
Entry	$26.96	Entry	$56,071.00
Mean	$41.03	Mean	$85,330.00
Experience	$48.06	Experience	$99,960.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections

Estimated Employment 2016	Projected Employment 2026	Annual Average Openings	Annual Growth Rate
220	220	25

Related Occupations:

Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:

Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers

Aviation Inspectors

Commercial Pilots

Electricians

First-Line Supervisors of Agricultural Crop and Horticultural Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Animal Husbandry and Animal Care Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Aquacultural Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Logging Workers

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

Forest Firefighters

Geological Sample Test Technicians

Motorboat Operators

Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors

Nursery and Greenhouse Managers

Police Patrol Officers

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Ship Engineers

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers

Transit and Railroad Police

No postsecondary schools reported programs.

Occupational Videos

53-5021.00

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels