Mates- Ship, Boat, and Barge
Supervise or coordinate activities of crew aboard ships, boats, barges, or dredges.
How AI Impacts Each Task
12 tasks analyzed
Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.
Assume command of vessels in the event that ships' masters become incapacitated.
Steer vessels, using navigational devices, such as compasses or sextants, or navigational aids, such as lighthouses or buoys.
Determine geographical positions of ships, using lorans, azimuths of celestial bodies, or computers, and use this information to determine the course and speed of a ship.
Inspect equipment, such as cargo-handling gear, lifesaving equipment, visual-signaling equipment, or fishing, towing, or dredging gear, to detect problems.
Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.
Participate in activities related to maintenance of vessel security.
Arrange for ships to be stocked, fueled, or repaired.
Supervise crew members in the repair or replacement of defective gear or equipment.
Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.
Observe water from ships' mastheads to advise on navigational direction.
Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 25% | |
| Assume command of vessels in the event that ships' masters become incapacitated. | 20Estimated | 35.0% | 2% | |
| Steer vessels, using navigational devices, such as compasses or sextants, or navigational aids, such as lighthouses or buoys. | 50Estimated | 29.0% | 15% | |
| Determine geographical positions of ships, using lorans, azimuths of celestial bodies, or computers, and use this information to determine the course and speed of a ship. | 85Estimated | 61.0% | 10% | |
| Inspect equipment, such as cargo-handling gear, lifesaving equipment, visual-signaling equipment, or fishing, towing, or dredging gear, to detect problems. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 10% | |
| Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 8% | |
| Participate in activities related to maintenance of vessel security. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Arrange for ships to be stocked, fueled, or repaired. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 5% | |
| Supervise crew members in the repair or replacement of defective gear or equipment. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 7% | |
| Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 5% | |
| Observe water from ships' mastheads to advise on navigational direction. | 75Estimated | 79.2% | 5% | |
| Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 3% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis