Transportation · SOC 53-5011
Vessel steering and data logging face incremental automation, but hands-on mooring, cargo handling, and marine safety remain physical.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Automated navigation and logging systems are being adopted on commercial vessels, but physical deck operations require human presence under maritime law through the 2030s.
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$56,750 median pay
$77,400 median pay
$101,320 median pay
$41,540 median pay
$37,560 median pay
$41,230 median pay
AI job-risk card
Sailors and Marine Oilers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Sailors and Marine Oilers is 27/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
27 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Reading and logging temperature and pressure gauges, Recording weather conditions and navigation data in ship logs, Steering on autopilot and verifying courses via compass. Harder to automate: Physically handling mooring lines and tow units, Operating liquid cargo transfer hoses and pumps, Maintaining government certifications and safety compliance, Performing physical maintenance duties on deck.
Lean into Marine vessel operations, Cargo handling and rigging, Maritime safety and certification, Navigation and watchkeeping. Consider roles such as Marine operations supervisor or Port logistics coordinator or Maritime safety inspector.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.