Will “Merchant Seaman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Merchant Seaman” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #461 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-5011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 46,170.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 22.00
Currently, there are 32,530 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Sailors and Marine Oilers”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Merchant Seaman”

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

Related Technology & Tools

Oil dispensing cans
Lifeboats
Reciprocating pumps
Sheave blocks
Portable gas detectors
Mooring chains
Engine room alarm systems
Magnet hoists
Centrifugal cargo pumps
Explosimeters
Centrifugal ventilators
Electric deck cranes
Riding pawls
Cargo derricks
Natural fiber mooring ropes
Forklifts
Lifting slings
Emergency generators
Life rings
Two way radios
Safety helmets
Grabbing cranes
Safety glasses
Anti-exposure coveralls
Wire cutters
Signal flags
Sounding tapes
Personal computers
Thermal protective aids TPA
Hand windlasses
Tank level gauges
Electric telegraphs
Sewing needles
Radio direction finders RDF
Semaphores
Pipe wrenches
Emergency position-indicating radio beacons
Claw hammers
Steam winches
Grease dispensing guns
Crescent wrenches
Filter masks
Ship alarm systems
Life jackets
Pyrotechnic distress signals
Hand punches
Hydraulic capstans
Gyrocompasses
Air chippers
Manual winches
Synthetic mooring ropes
Life buoys
Electric windlasses
Hydraulic deck cranes
Safety belts
Respirators
Spanner wrenches
Hydraulic windlasses
Desktop computers
Mechanical telegraphs
Chipping hammers
Galvanized thimbles
Welders
Ship anchor chocks
Voice pipes
Fids
Gear pumps
Blinker lights
Ratchet sets
Hand capstans
Liquid cargo transfer hoses
Bridge telephones
Lifeboat davits
Lifting spreaders
Fire hoses
Magnetic compasses
Portable fire extinguishers
Bilge pumping systems
Mooring cables
Electric mooring winches
Cargo hooks
Foam firefighting systems
Workshop vises
Pilot ladders
Cargo booms
Radar navigation systems
Chain cargo falls
Carbon dioxide CO2 firefighting systems
Locking jaw pliers
Sounding rods
Wire splicers
Safety lanyards
Container lift trucks
Sharpening steels
Metal chisels
Bolt cutters
Hydraulic mooring winches

Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Microsoft Windows
KNMI TurboWin
Log book software
Microsoft Word