# Motorboat Operators

> Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 53-5022.00
- **Summary:** Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

## Aliases

- Boat Operator
- Launch Operator
- River Pilot
- Water Taxi Business Operator
- Crew Boat Operator
- Harbor Pilot
- Launchman
- Motorboat Operator
- Shoreboat Driver
- Water Taxi Operator
- Boat Driver
- Boat Launch Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Direct safety operations in emergency situations. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.k |
| Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.w |
| Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Organize and direct the activities of crew members. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Report any observed navigational hazards to authorities. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.g |
| Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Service motors by performing tasks such as changing oil and lubricating parts. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels. | Core | 4.A.2.b.5.b |
| Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats. | Core | 4.A.4.b.4.j |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Navigate water vessels. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Operate ships or other watercraft. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Follow safety procedures for vehicle operation. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Direct emergency management activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.k |
| Direct passenger or freight transport activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Direct material handling or moving activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Secure watercraft to docks, wharves or other vessels. | 4.A.3.a.2.w |
| Maintain watercraft engines or machinery. | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards. | 4.A.4.a.2.g |
| Arrange maintenance activities. | 4.A.2.b.5.b |
| Clean vessels or marine equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Measure the level or depth of water or other liquids. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Maintain work equipment or machinery. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 4.36 |
| English Language | knowledge | 4.1 |
| Control Precision | ability | 4 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.91 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.88 |
| Spatial Orientation | ability | 3.88 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.82 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.77 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.62 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.62 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.5 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.5 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.5 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.5 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.46 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Time Sharing | ability | 3.25 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.25 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.25 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.25 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.12 |
| Glare Sensitivity | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Autopilot software | Expert system software | no | no |
| Cartography software | Map creation software | no | no |
| Echo sounder software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Global positioning system GPS software | Mobile location based services software | no | no |
| Radar software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Roam Devices Roam Marine Monitor Hub | Expert system software | no | no |
| SEA.AI Offshore ONE | Mobile location based services software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.99 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.96 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.54 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.47 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.43 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.42 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.39 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 4.38 |
| Contact With Others | 4.29 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.26 |
| Time Pressure | 4.13 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.1 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.06 |
| Physical Proximity | 4.02 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.91 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.86 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.7 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.62 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.61 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.53 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.52 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.51 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.36 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.33 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.22 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.13 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.99 |
| Spend Time Standing | 2.94 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 2.88 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.81 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.8 |
| Public Speaking | 2.69 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.65 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 2.63 |
| Level of Competition | 2.53 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.48 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.45 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.39 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.37 |
| E-Mail | 2.35 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 39.74 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 34.64 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 13.95 |
| Some College Courses | 8.61 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 2.15 |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 0.91 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.54 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.43 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 4.29 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.26 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.66 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 3.3 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 3.19 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.56 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.5 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 2.36 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.22 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.04 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 2.01 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.99 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.89 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.86 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53-5021.00 | role-53-5021-00 | Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | Primary-Short |
| 53-5011.00 | role-53-5011-00 | Sailors and Marine Oilers | Primary-Short |
| 53-5031.00 | role-53-5031-00 | Ship Engineers | Primary-Short |
| 49-3051.00 | role-49-3051-00 | Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 49-9096.00 | role-49-9096-00 | Riggers | Primary-Short |
| 53-7031.00 | role-53-7031-00 | Dredge Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-4011.00 | role-53-4011-00 | Locomotive Engineers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-3032.00 | role-53-3032-00 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Primary-Long |
| 53-2012.00 | role-53-2012-00 | Commercial Pilots | Primary-Long |
| 45-3031.00 | role-45-3031-00 | Fishing and Hunting Workers | Supplemental |
| 53-6011.00 | role-53-6011-00 | Bridge and Lock Tenders | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** Postsecondary nondegree award

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 51880
- **Mean Wage:** 55370
- **Pct10Wage:** 31970
- **Pct25Wage:** 39860
- **Pct75Wage:** 68490
- **Pct90Wage:** 82330
- **Employment:** 2380
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 840 | 60000 | 7.36 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 320 | 40390 | 7.85 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 230 | 49140 | 1.65 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 150 | 41990 | 0.62 |
| 72 | 72 | Accommodation and Food Services | Sector | 150 | 37260 | 0.68 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 90 | 42060 |  |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 70 | 60320 |  |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 30 | 51500 |  |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector |  | 37760 |  |
| 53 | 53 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | Sector |  | 38630 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 320 | 7.85 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 840 | 7.36 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 230 | 1.65 |
| 72 | 72 | Accommodation and Food Services | Sector | 150 | 0.68 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 150 | 0.62 |
- **Count:** 10

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.62 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.8871186 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 0.0357048 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.176522 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 9
- **Percentile:** 5
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 22 | felten_aioe |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 1 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.8871186 | 22 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.0029317534993333486 | 1 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.62
- **Percentile:** 53
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 1.4
- **Growth Percentile:** 35
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.3
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 4
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 2.7
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 2.8

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 16
- **Skills:** 31
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 8
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 1894761479aa2099