Sailors and Marine Oilers

Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.

Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.

Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.

Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.

Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.

Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.

Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.

Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.

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

Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.

Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.

Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.

Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.

Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker lights or semaphores.

Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.

Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.

Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.

Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.

Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.

Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.

Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.

Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.

Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.

Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.

Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.

Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.

Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.

Participate in shore patrols.