TransportationO*NET: 53-5011.00
Will AI Replace Sailors and Marine Oilers?
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.
47out of 100
Medium Risk
AI Risk Score
47/100
Risk Level
Medium
Job Zone
2/5
Entry
Total Tasks Analyzed
19
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- ▸Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
- ▸Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
- ▸Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (2)
- Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
👤Requires Humans (3)
- Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
- Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
- Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
⚡AI-Assisted (14)
- Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- 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.
- Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
- Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
- Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
Key Skills Analysis
Operations MonitoringAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Operation and Control
Importance: 3.62/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Troubleshooting
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Repairing
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.00/5.00
CoordinationAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 2.88/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 2.88/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Sailors and Marine Oilers have a medium risk of AI replacement with a score of 47/100. While some tasks can be assisted by AI, the core responsibilities require human judgment and skills.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research