Water Transportation Workers

How to become a Sailor or Marine Oiler

Official title: Sailors and Marine Oilers

Also called: AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman), AB Watchman (Able Bodied Watchman), Able Seaman, Deck Hand, Deckhand, Deckhand Engineer, Oiler, Pilot Boat Deckhand, Relief Deckhand, Tankerman

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.

Main tasks

Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
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.
Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.

How to become one

Education and training requirements for water transportation workers vary by occupation. There are no educational requirements for entry-level sailors and marine oilers, but other water transportation workers typically complete U.S. Coast Guard-approved training programs.

Typical education to start: No formal educational credential

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Able Seaman.
Licence: A licence is required in 7 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $51,520 a year The middle half earn $41,430 to $67,590.
About 33,000 people work in this job now, and about 34,100 are projected by 2035. (+3.2%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Sailor or Marine Oiler?

How much does a Sailor or Marine Oiler earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $51,520 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $41,430 to $67,590.

Is a Sailor or Marine Oiler a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 33,000 to about 34,100 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Sailor or Marine Oiler?

Usually not. Only 19% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Able Seaman.

Will AI change the work of a Sailor or Marine Oiler?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.