Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 53-5021.00
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.29
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only30 rated tasks · 10 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (33.3%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupation 53-5021.01 Ship and Boat Captains, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Resolve questions or problems with customs officials.53-5021.01 | 0.010282.5 |
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.53-5021.01 | 0.002217.5 |
| Not observed on any surface — 22 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states. | |
Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses. | —0 |
Compute positions, set courses, and determine speeds, using charts, area plotting sheets, compasses, sextants, and knowledge of local conditions. | —0 |
Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations. | —0 |
Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment. | —0 |
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. | —0 |
Monitor the loading or discharging of cargo or passengers. | —0 |
Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts. | —0 |
Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios. | —0 |
Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers. | —0 |
Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries. | —0 |
Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen. | —0 |
Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired. | —0 |
Purchase supplies or equipment. | —0 |
Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks. | —0 |
Adjust navigation according to weather conditions. | —0 |
Conduct safety drills with crew. | —0 |
Assign watches or living quarters to crew members. | —0 |
Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations. | —0 |
Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches. | —0 |
Collect fares from customers or signal ferryboat helpers to collect fares. | —0 |
Sort logs, form log booms, or salvage lost logs. | —0 |
Interview and hire crew members. | —0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.O*NET Task ID 23807 | 1.0 |
Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.O*NET Task ID 23812 | 1.0 |
Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.O*NET Task ID 23818 | 1.0 |
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.O*NET Task ID 23819 | 1.0 |
Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.O*NET Task ID 23822 | 1.0 |
Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.O*NET Task ID 23829 | 1.0 |
Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.O*NET Task ID 23805 | 0.5 |
Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.O*NET Task ID 23821 | 0.5 |
Purchase supplies or equipment.O*NET Task ID 23826 | 0.5 |
Interview and hire crew members.O*NET Task ID 23830 | 0.5 |
Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.O*NET Task ID 23802 | 0.0 |
Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.O*NET Task ID 23803 | 0.0 |
Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.O*NET Task ID 23804 | 0.0 |
Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.O*NET Task ID 23806 | 0.0 |
Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.O*NET Task ID 23808 | 0.0 |
Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.O*NET Task ID 23809 | 0.0 |
Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.O*NET Task ID 23810 | 0.0 |
Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.O*NET Task ID 23811 | 0.0 |
Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.O*NET Task ID 23813 | 0.0 |
Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.O*NET Task ID 23814 | 0.0 |
Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.O*NET Task ID 23815 | 0.0 |
Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.O*NET Task ID 23816 | 0.0 |
Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.O*NET Task ID 23817 | 0.0 |
Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.O*NET Task ID 23820 | 0.0 |
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.O*NET Task ID 23823 | 0.0 |
Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.O*NET Task ID 23824 | 0.0 |
Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.O*NET Task ID 23825 | 0.0 |
Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.O*NET Task ID 23827 | 0.0 |
Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.O*NET Task ID 23828 | 0.0 |
Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.O*NET Task ID 23831 | 0.0 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (30)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards. | Core |
| Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations. | Core |
| Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth. | Core |
| Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements. | Core |
| Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses. | Core |
| Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations. | Core |
| Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks. | Core |
| Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way. | Core |
| Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations. | Core |
| Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen. | Core |
| Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws. | Core |
| Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations. | Core |
| Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios. | Core |
| Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment. | Core |
| Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers. | Core |
| Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries. | Core |
| Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications. | Core |
| Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts. | Core |
| Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models. | Core |
| 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. | Core |
| Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired. | Core |
| Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges. | Core |
| Purchase supplies or equipment. | Core |
| Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations. | Supplemental |
| Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches. | Supplemental |
| Assign watches or living quarters to crew members. | Supplemental |
| Interview and hire crew members. | Supplemental |
| Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills. | — |
0.87/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses. | E3 unstructured settings |
| Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way. | E2 structured facilities |
| Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations. | E0 none |
| Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen. | E2 structured facilities |
| Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations. | E0 none |
| Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers. | E0 none |
| Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches. | E2 structured facilities |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 41K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 43K
- Change (2025–35)
- +4%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $92,460
- Typical education needed for entry
- Postsecondary nondegree award
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23821 | 선장 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 23822 | 항해사 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 23824 | 도선사 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 23832 | 선박교통 관제사 | Related, not a match | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 3152Ships' Deck Officers and Pilots
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Ships’ deck officers and pilots command and navigate ships and similar vessels, and perform related functions on shore.
Tasks
- (a) commanding and navigating ship or similar vessel at sea or on inland waterways;
- (b) controlling and participating in deck and bridge-watch activities;
- (c) navigating vessels into and out of ports and through channels, straits and other waters where special knowledge is required;
- (d) ensuring safe loading and unloading of cargo and observance of safety regulations and procedures by crew and passengers;
- (e) performing technical supervision of maintenance and repair of ship to ensure compliance with specifications and regulations;
- (f) applying knowledge of principles and practices relating to ship’s operation and navigation in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work;
- (g) ordering ship’s stores and recruiting crew as required and maintaining record of operations;
- (h) transmitting and receiving routine and emergency information with shore stations and other ships.
Example occupations
Pilot (ship) · Ship's captain · Skipper (yacht)
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- deck officerESCO 3152.1This occupation is broader
Deck officers or mates perform the watch duties on board of vessels like determining the course and speed, manoeuvring to avoid hazards, and continuously monitoring the vessels position using charts and navigational aids. They maintain logs and other records tracking the ship's movements. They ensure that the proper procedures and safety practices are followed, check that equipment is in good working order, and oversee the loading and discharging of cargo or passengers. They supervise crew members engaged in maintenance and the primary upkeep of the vessel.
- helmsmanESCO 3152.2This occupation is broader
Helmsmen are members of the crew on the highest rank of the operational level on an inland vessel. They perform a variety of duties concerned with the operation and upkeep of deck department areas, the engine and other equipment, mooring and unmooring, as well as the steering of the ship as the main task.
- maritime pilotESCO 3152.3This occupation is broader
Maritime pilots are mariners who guide ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbours or river mouths. They are expert ship handlers who possess detailed knowledge of local waterways.
- ship captainESCO 3152.4This occupation is broader
Ship captains are in charge of a vessel for the transportation of goods and passengers, operating in offshore and coastal waters. The size of the vessel can range from a small vessel to a cruise liner depending on the tonnage that they are certified to sail. Ship captains have vast experience with ships and their operation, and are likely to have worked their way through the ranks of other ship-related positions.
- skipperESCO 3152.5This occupation is broader
Skippers are the highest authority on-board or on inland waterways, they are in charge of the vessel and are held responsible for the safety and well being of the clients and crew. They are licensed by the responsible authority and will determine the operations of the vessel at any time. They are the ultimate instance responsible for the crew, the ship, the cargo and/or passengers, and the voyage.
- fisheries boatmasterESCO 6223.2.1Overlapping, not the same
Fisheries boatmasters operate fishing vessels in coastal waters performing operations at the deck and engine. They control the navigation as well as capture and conservation of fish within the established boundaries in compliance with national and international regulations.
- fisheries masterESCO 6223.2Overlapping, not the same
Fisheries masters plan, manage and execute the activities of fishing vessels inshore, coastal and offshore waters. They direct and control the navigation. Fisheries masters can operate on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more. They control the loading, unloading and stevedoring, as well as the collection, handling, processing and preservation of fishing.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| A1406 | Capitaine de pêche | This occupation is broader |
| K1718 | Chargé / Chargée de navigation maritime sur navire militaire | This occupation is broader |
| N3104 | Conducteur / Conductrice de navigation fluviale | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| N3105 | Pilote hauturier / Pilote hauturière | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| N3108 | Skipper professionnel / Skipper professionnelle | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| N3115 | Capitaine de yacht | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| N3106 | Officier / Officière de la marine marchande | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| K1739 | Opérateur / Opératrice en navigation maritime sur navire militaire | Related, not a match |
| N3101 | Officier / Officière de port | Related, not a match |
| K1725 | Responsable des opérations militaires en milieu maritime | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| K1741 | Maître de pont sur navire militaire | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| N3107 | Pilote fluvial / Pilote fluviale | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| N3110 | Capitaine d'armement | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3152 | Capitanes y oficiales de puente | Same scopeprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 51543 | Berufe in der Überwachung und Steuerung des Schiffsverkehrsbetriebs - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 52413 | Nautische Schiffsoffiziere/-offizierinnen und Kapitäne/Kapitäninnen - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 52414 | Nautische Schiffsoffiziere/-offizierinnen und Kapitäne/Kapitäninnen - hoch komplexe Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 52423 | Schiffsführer/innen in Binnenschifffahrt und Hafenverkehr - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 621 | 船長（漁労船を除く） | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| 622 | 航海士・運航士（漁労船を除く），水先人 | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| 442 | 海上保安官 | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 482 | 船長・航海士・機関長・機関士（漁労船） | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources