Career Overview
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Also Known As
- Boat Operator
- Launch Operator
- River Pilot
- Water Taxi Business Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- Boat Driver
- Boat Launch Operator
- Boat Operator
- Boat Person
- Boatman
- Crew Boat Operator
- Harbor Pilot
- Launch Operator
- Launch Steward
- Launchman
- Mooring Master
- Motorboat Operator
- Outboard Motorboat Operator
- River and Lakes Boatman
- River Pilot
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
- Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
- Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
- Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
- Organize and direct the activities of crew members.
- Follow safety procedures to ensure the protection of passengers, cargo, and vessels.
- Maintain equipment such as range markers, fire extinguishers, boat fenders, lines, pumps, and fittings.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Control Precision
- Spatial Orientation
- Far Vision
- Perceptual Speed
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Speech Clarity
- Auditory Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrench sets
- Air horns
- Anchor lights
- Automatic bilge pumps
- Backfire flame arrestors
- Binoculars
- Boat hooks
- Boat steering mechanisms
- Boat tillers
- Boat towing hooks
- Boat towing trailers
- Booms
- Burying anchors
- Captive-pin shackles
- Carabiners
Work Environment
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $31,970 |
| Median | $51,880 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $82,330 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 2,380
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $85,540
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,610
Ship Engineers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $101,320
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $54,950
Riggers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,060
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.