Occupation AtlasMotorboat Operators

O*NET · 53-5022.00

Motorboat Operators

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

Also called Boat Driver · Boat Launch Operator · Boat Operator · Boat Person · Boatman · Crew Boat Operator · Harbor Pilot · Launch Operator
17 more

Launch Steward · Launchman · Mooring Master · Motorboat Operator · Outboard Motorboat Operator · River and Lakes Boatman · River Pilot · Rivers and Lakes Boatman · Rivers and Lakes Leverman · Shoreboat Driver · Speedboat Driver · Speedboat Operator · Towboat Operator · Water Taxi Boat Mate · Water Taxi Business Operator · Water Taxi Ferry Operator · Water Taxi Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.54
  • C Conventional3.66
  • E Enterprising3.19
  • I Investigative2.22
  • S Social1.99
  • A Artistic1.12

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma35%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent40%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Some College Courses9%
  • Bachelor's Degree14%
Related work experience
None (37%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (33%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (29%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and ControlImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • TroubleshootingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • InstructingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • RepairingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • WritingbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • PersuasionImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
  • ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

13 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.Importance 4.8
  2. Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.Importance 4.6
  3. Direct safety operations in emergency situations.Importance 4.6
  4. Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.Importance 4.6
  5. Organize and direct the activities of crew members.Importance 4.6
  6. Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.Importance 4.5
  7. Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.Importance 4.4
  8. Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities.Importance 4.4
  9. Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.Importance 4.4
  10. Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts.Importance 4.3
  11. Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.Importance 4.2
  12. Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.Importance 4.0
Show the other 4
  1. Clean boats and repair hulls and superstructures, using hand tools, paint, and brushes.Importance 3.7
  2. Tow, push, or guide other boats, barges, logs, or rafts.Importance 3.9
  3. Take depth soundings in turning basins.Importance 3.6
  4. Perform general labor duties such as repairing booms.Importance 3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • TransportationImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • MechanicalImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • GeographyImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 2.7
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 2.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • PsychologyImportance 2.4Level 2.7
  • PhysicsImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • DesignImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • BiologyImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.9Level —
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • ChemistryImportance 1.6Level —
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level —
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control PrecisionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
  • Far VisionImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
Show all 52
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Reaction TimeImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Response OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Time SharingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.6
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Rate ControlImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Static StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • VisualizationImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Night VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • MemorizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.6Level 2.8
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • StaminaImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.9
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 4.6Level 5.8
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
Show all 41
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Getting InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.6
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.7
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.5Level 2.9
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 2.4Level 2.8
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.6
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Freedom to Make Decisions5.0
  • Frequency of Decision Making5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.3

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Tools (8)
  • Autopilot software
  • Cartography software
  • Echo sounder software
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Radar software
  • Roam Devices Roam Marine Monitor Hub
  • SEA.AI Offshore ONE
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.