If you enjoy the open seas, the thrill of travel, and an unconventional work environment, then you may want to consider working as a ship, boat, or barge mate. Shipmates supervise and coordinate the activities of crew members aboard sea vessels and get to enjoy life on the open water.

Employment Trends
This job is growing at a faster than average rate, in a range between 14 and 20 percent. From 2006 to 2016, 15,000 additional jobs will be created in this field.

Typical Work Activities

• Steer vessels, using navigational equipment (ie, compasses and sextons) and other navigational aids.
• “Watch duty” during specified periods.
• Determine geographic location and ship speed using stars and computers.
• Take command of ship, when needed, from ship’s master.
• Perform safety inspection on equipment such as cargo-handling gear, life vests, and visual-signaling equipment.

Work Styles
Must be:

• Dependable
• Able to take the lead of a group of people
• Willing to take on responsibilities and challenges
• Precise and have good attention to detail
• Cooperative and able to communicate well with others

Examples of Work Locations

• Ships
• Tugboats
• Barges
• Other sea vessels

Stepping Stone Positions
There is one recognized apprenticeship associated with this career: Officer in Charge of Naval Watch. For more information, contact the US Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information.

For more general information on apprenticeships, visit the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.