Ship and Boat Captains

Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.

Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.

Adjust navigation according to weather conditions.

Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.

Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.

Conduct safety drills with crew.

Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.

Compute positions, set courses, and determine speeds, using charts, area plotting sheets, compasses, sextants, and knowledge of local conditions.

Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.

Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.

Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.

Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.

Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.

Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.

Monitor the loading or discharging of cargo or passengers.

Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.

Direct or coordinate crew members or workers performing activities such as loading or unloading cargo, steering vessels, operating engines, or operating, maintaining, or repairing ship equipment.

Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.

Collect fares from customers or signal ferryboat helpers to collect fares.

Resolve questions or problems with customs officials.

Sort logs, form log booms, or salvage lost logs.

Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.

Purchase supplies or equipment.

Interview and hire crew members.