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Motorboat Operators

People classed as Motorboat Operators operate small motor-driven boats. The skills rated most useful are operation and control, operations monitoring, and speaking. You may also need to operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (6.5 of 7), then Conventional (3.7) and Enterprising, which gives it the code RCE. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. Expect to direct safety operations in emergency situations. The job can ask you to secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure. It tends to suit people who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

Main tasks

  • Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
  • Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
  • Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
  • Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
  • Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
  • Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operation and control and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.1 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCE takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Boat Operator
  • Crew Boat Operator
  • Harbor Pilot
  • Launch Operator
  • Launchman

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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.