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Motorboat Operators
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Other titles employers use
Boat Operator · Crew Boat Operator · Harbor Pilot · Launch Operator · Launchman · Motorboat Operator · River Pilot · Shoreboat Driver
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and persuading work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Persuading
- Leading, selling, starting projects, or making a case
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
Useful strengths
- Control Precision
- Spatial Orientation
- Far Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Perceptual Speed
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 4.0 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 2.9 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 3.6 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 74%
- A four-year degree 14%
- A certificate or some college 11%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Expert system software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Mobile location based services software
- Map creation software
- Internet browser software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 570
- Job openings each year
- 60
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 14.0%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 570 | 60 | 14.0% |
| Texas | 190 | 20 | 11.8% |
| Louisiana | 140 | 20 | 16.7% |
| Ohio | 130 | 10 | — |
| Tennessee | 110 | 10 | 22.2% |
| South Carolina | 90 | 10 | — |
| Washington | 80 | 10 | — |
| Maryland | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Massachusetts | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Oregon | 60 | 10 | — |
| New Hampshire | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| North Carolina | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Degrees each year
- 105
- Admit rate
- 32%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
SUNY Maritime College
- Degrees each year
- 81
- Admit rate
- 79%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 55
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
California State University Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 53
- Admit rate
- 99%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 47
- Admit rate
- 95%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Maine Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 32
- Admit rate
- 61%
- Annual cost after aid
- —