# Tasks & work activities — ordinary seaman

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 53-5011.00 (Sailors and Marine Oilers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 8350; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

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

## Detailed work activities

- Assist others during emergencies.
- Clean vessels or marine equipment.
- Connect hoses to equipment or machinery.
- Control pumps or pumping equipment.
- Direct maintenance or repair activities.
- Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
- Load shipments, belongings, or materials.
- Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.
- 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 surroundings to detect potential hazards.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Operate ships or other watercraft.
- Paint surfaces or equipment.
- Record operational details of travel.
- Record operational or production data.
- Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels.
- Set up material handling gear or equipment, such as rigging, packaging, or temporary structures.
- Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- Verify information or specifications.