What skills does a sailor need?

A sailor needs 24 essential skills including Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, anchors used in maritime water transport, guide ships into docks, watch for maritime navigation aids, operate traditional water depth measurement equipment. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace sailor jobs?

The AI disruption score for sailor is 27/100 (low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Transport & StorageDrivers and mobile plant operatorsISCO 8350

sailor

Sailors assist the ship captain and any crew higher in hierarchy to operate ships. They dust and wax furniture and polish wood trim, sweep floors and decks, and polish brass and other metal parts. They inspect, repair, and maintain sails and rigging, and paint or varnish surfaces. They make emergency repairs to the auxiliary engine. Sailors may stow supplies and equipment and record data in log, such as weather conditions and distance travelled.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (24)

Global Maritime Distress and Safety SystemGlobal Maritime Distress and Safety SystemThe internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft.anchors used in maritime water transportanchors used in maritime water transportThe types of anchors used in maritime transport operations according to the type of vessel, port characteristics and regulatory guidelines.guide ships into docksguide ships into docksSafely guide a ship into a dock and anchor it.watch for maritime navigation aidswatch for maritime navigation aidsWatch for navigation aids (lighthouses and buoys), obstructions, and other vessels that may be encountered. Interpret navigation aids, communicate information, and take orders from the captain.operate traditional water depth measurement equipmentoperate traditional water depth measurement equipmentOperate traditional water depth measuring equipment e.g. weights on a line, and traditional techniques for measuring the depth of water, particularly along coastlines and near harbours.anchor ships to the portanchor ships to the portAnchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.prepare lifeboatsprepare lifeboatsPrepare lifeboats in ships before departure, ensure full functionality in case of emergency, follow regulatory instructions for lifesaving boats.moor vesselsmoor vesselsFollow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.prepare deck equipmentprepare deck equipmentHandle a wide assortment of deck equipment, including waterproof marine doors, hatches, winches, pumps, cleats, fairleads, portlights, shackles, swivels, tank top covers, anchors, and bollards. Prepar...communicate reports provided by passengerscommunicate reports provided by passengersTransmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.clean parts of vesselsclean parts of vesselsClean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.clean shipsclean shipsRemove dirt from the ship by sweeping, scrubbing and washing the deck and other areas. Remove superfluous salt and water to avoid oxidation.assist anchoring operationsassist anchoring operationsAssist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.paint ship deckspaint ship decksDetect and remove rust using primers and sealants; paint vessel decks to fend off oxidation process.follow work proceduresfollow work proceduresAdhere to procedures at work in a structured and systematic manner.operate echo sounding equipmentoperate echo sounding equipmentOperate technological equipment to measure the ocean's depth. Calculate and interpret results, and communicate them to management.secure ships using ropesecure ships using ropeUse rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.steer vessels in portssteer vessels in portsDirect the course of vessels in ports using information on the local weather, wind, water depths tides, etc. Ensure that vessels avoid hazards such as reefs through use of navigational aids. Communica...use different types of fire extinguishersuse different types of fire extinguishersUnderstand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.use maritime Englishuse maritime EnglishCommunicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.unmoor vesselsunmoor vesselsFollow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.follow verbal instructionsfollow verbal instructionsHave the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

Optional (8)

types of maritime vesselstypes of maritime vesselsVarious types of maritime vessels such as container ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, and their characteristics and specifications, security, technical, and maintenance requirements.act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.deal with challenging work conditionsdeal with challenging work conditionsDeal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.conduct on board safety inspectionsconduct on board safety inspectionsConduct on board safety inspections; identify and remove potential threats to the physical integrity of the ship crew.lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.assist in maritime rescue operationsassist in maritime rescue operationsProvide assistance during maritime rescue operations.perform lookout duties during maritime operationsperform lookout duties during maritime operationsMaintain a watch during maritime operations, in order to anticipate events and potential hazards.