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Sailors and Deckhands perform much of the manual labor aboard a ship and are classified according to their skill level and the type of vessel on which they serve.

JOB DUTIES

Ordinary Seaman may:

Maintain lines, running gear, cargo-handling gear, and painted surfaces

Mop or wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris

Chip and clean rust spots from the deck and sides of the ship

Able Seaman may:

Splice wire ropes

Break out, rig, overhaul, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear

Overhaul lifeboats and gear and lower or raise boats

Handle mooring lines during docking or departure

Steer the vessel according to the mate's direction

Stand watch to look for obstructions in the vessel's path

The tools, equipment, and work aids used by Sailors and Deckhands include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Sailors & Deckhands may specialize in these areas:

911.687-030 ORDINARY SEAMEN have the lowest standing among the deck crew. They maintain lines and gear and are expected to keep the decks and sides of the ship clean.

911.364-010 ABLE SEAMEN are expected to have knowledge of all parts of the ship and be able to operate all gear and deck equipment. Able Seamen who have only watch duties are watchstanders. Those whose primary concern is only with the maintenance of the ship's gear and decks are known as deck maintenance workers.

911.363-014 QUARTERMASTERS called "Wheelmen" on the Great Lakes, steer the ship and maintain visual communications with other ships.

911.131-010 BOATSWAINS are the highest ranking able seamen. They supervise the deck crew and check cargo-handling gear and lifesaving equipment.

911.687-022 DECKHANDS. Most Sailors work in the deck department on merchant marine ships and are known as DECKHANDS. They include ordinary seamen, able seamen, and boatswains.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Sailors and Deckhands are supervised by the master and mates aboard their vessel. Boatswains supervise the deck crew on a merchant marine vessel.

Working conditions vary with the vessel. Life is usually informal and nonmilitary with companionship limited to fellow crew members, off duty recreation, and shipboard facilities. Crew members receive good food and comfortable quarters. Deckhands and Sailors work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Seamen are exposed to such hazards as falls on wet decks; injury from moving machinery; and the danger of fire, collision, or sinking.

Deckhands' hours vary according to the type of vessel they sail on and the route. At sea, Merchant Marine seamen generally work a 7-day, 56-hour week. The majority of seamen are on duty two 4-hour watches with 8 hours off between each watch every 24 hours. On shore, the standard workweek is 40 hours. Some Seaman are day workers who work 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Weather affects the amount of time worked, especially on the Great Lakes. Even though an 11-month shipping season is technically possible, Seamen on the Great Lakes usually work fewer hours during the winter. Most are laid off when the shipping season ends.

Sailors and Deckhands may belong to a number of labor organizations including the National Maritime Union of America and the Seafarer's International Union of North America, and pay membership dues.

You Should Prefer:

• The sea and ships

• Activities dealing with things, machines, and processes

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions using personal judgment and verifiable information

• Work within precise standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Plan, direct, and control the activities of others, if a Boatswain

• See details in charts

• Recognize slight differences in shapes and shadings

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

You have to paint a deck that is 75 feet long and 30 feet wide. If one gallon of paint covers 1000 square feet of surface area, how many gallons of paint will you need?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

The boatswain leaves you written instructions to clean the lifeboats, paint the anchors and stow the cargo handling gear.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining the reasons why all your work didn't get completely done.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to complete the painting of a deck, spending the least possible time.

Applicants for Seamen's positions must have a health certificate and Seamen's papers called a Merchant Mariners Document, from the U.S. Coast Guard. Before applying for seamen's papers, it is necessary to have proof of Armed Forces sea service or a letter of commitment (promise of a job) from a specific shipping company or seafaring union. They must be 18 years old for entry-level jobs and 19 for Able Seaman positions. They must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and pass a written or oral exam for non- entry positions such as Able Seamen. Some employers also require that Sailors have a valid passport.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

SEAMEN

All ships must have teams of individuals with "jack-of-all-trades" skills who make things run smoothly above deck. Seamen perform many duties to help operate and maintain military ships, boats, and submarines.

What They Do

Seamen in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate hoists, cranes, and winches to load cargo or set gangplanks

• Operate and maintain on-deck equipment and ship rigging

• Supervise firefighting and damage control exercises

• Handle lines to secure vessels to wharves or other ships

• Stand watch for security, navigation, or communications

• Supervise crews painting and maintaining decks and sides of ships

Physical Demands

Seamen may have to climb ships' rigging and perform work at heights. Their work often involves moderate to heavy lifting.

Work Environment

Seamen and deckhands work aboard all types of ships and submarines. On ships, they often work outdoors on deck while servicing shipboard equipment.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include mathematics and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to work closely with others

• Interest in sailing and being at sea

• Preference for physical work

Training Provided

Although classroom training of 6 to 12 weeks is provided to seamen, most training occurs on the job. Training programs vary depending on service and specialty.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian seamen work primarily for shipping companies, sometimes called the Merchant Marine. They also work for cruise ship lines. They perform many duties similar to military seamen. They are called able seamen, deckhands, or boatswains.

Opportunities

The services have about 14,000 seamen. On average, the services need about 6,000 new seamen each year. New seamen work together on teams led by experienced supervisors. Through practice they learn the many tasks they must perform. In time, seamen supervise one or more teams. Eventually, they may become managers responsible for planning and directing the work of many seamen. Often, seamen receive additional training that prepares them for other occupations in their service.

  E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Service in the military as a Seaman or watercraft operator provides a good background for entering the merchant marine.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Sailor & Deckhand employer

internships

volunteer work with a Sailor & Deckhand employer

community service work with an agency

Seamen with papers may register at a hiring hall and receive their shipping cards. Unions operate hiring halls at most Great Lakes ports. First preference in hiring is given to qualified Seamen with the highest seniority who have been unemployed the longest and who are present at the hiring hall. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

Classifieds Employment    

Yahoo! Careers

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Basic monthly pay for crew members depends on the type of vessel sailed upon, the individual's job assignment, the number of hours worked, and union affiliation.

Nationally, in 1998, base annual wages of sailors and deckhands who worked on ocean going vessels were:

Most receive cost-of-living allowances and overtime premiums.

Sailors and Deckhands usually receive comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance. Some crew members earn vacation benefits at the rate of 30 days for every 90 days of employment aboard their vessel. They also receive pension plans.

Sailors start as Ordinary Seamen and may advance by serving a specified period and by passing a Coast Guard exam. A possible career ladder for Deckhands include Ordinary Seaman, Able Seaman, and Boatswain. Seamen and Boatswains may eventually advance further and obtain an officer's rating. However, completion of officers' training school is usually required because advances in technology have made it more difficult for individuals without formal training to pass the officer's entrance examinations.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 21,700 Sailors and Deckhands were employed in 1996. Employment of Sailors and Deckhands is expected to decline through the year 2006. As more ships become equipped with labor-saving features, competition for jobs created by replacement needs will be keen. Most annual openings will be filled by experienced Sailors who are unemployed. The industry distribution for Sailors and Deckhands looked like this:

There are approximately 200 Sailors and Deckhands in Michigan. They worked on freighters, fishing vessels, tugboats, dredges, ferryboats, passenger barges, yachts, and charter boats.

The employment of Sailors and Deckhands in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. A few openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations. In spite of these crew reducing measures, the Great Lakes shipping industry is currently experiencing a resurgence in shipping demand.

As older ships are replaced by larger and faster automated ships, fewer and smaller crews will be needed. Improvements such as automatic tension mooring winches that assist in docking and undocking should further reduce the size of the crews needed to operate a ship. In spite of these crew reducing measures, the Great Lakes shipping industry which was severely depressed during the 1980's due to reduced ore shipments resulting from the recession, is currently experiencing a resurgence in shipping demand. The health of the steel industry will directly effect the Great Lakes shipping industry, since it accounts for the majority of cargo transported.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.