Sailors and Marine Oilers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (4%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (4%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 26 (93%)

• Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• 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.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot, and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker lights or semaphores.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Participate in shore patrols.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about sailors and marine oilers and AI