Sailor Drivers & Mobile Plant Operators
SaveWhat Does a Sailor Do?
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.
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Where Do I Start?
Anchors Used In Maritime Water Transport
Distinguish various types of anchors used in maritime transport operations according to the type of vessel, port characteristics and regulatory guidelines.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Sailor
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialAnchors Used In Maritime Water Transport knowledge
Distinguish various types of anchors used in maritime transport operations according to the type of vessel, port characteristics and regulatory guidelines.
Recommended Books
1 bookThe Kedge-anchor, Or, Young Sailors' Assistant -
EssentialGlobal Maritime Distress And Safety System knowledge
The 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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEnsure Public Safety And Security skill
Implement 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Verbal Instructions skill
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Work Procedures skill
Adhere to procedures at work in a structured and systematic manner.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Written Instructions skill
Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMoor Vessels skill
Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUnmoor Vessels skill
Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers skill
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Maritime English language skill
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnchor Ships To The Port skill
Anchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAssist Anchoring Operations skill
Assist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialClean Parts Of Vessels skill
Clean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialCommunicate Reports Provided By Passengers skill
Transmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialGuide Ships Into Docks skill
Safely guide a ship into a dock and anchor it.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Echo Sounding Equipment skill
Operate technological equipment to measure the ocean's depth. Calculate and interpret results, and communicate them to management.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Traditional Water Depth Measurement Equipment skill
Operate 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPaint Ship Decks skill
Detect and remove rust using primers and sealants; paint vessel decks to fend off oxidation process.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPilot Vessel Into Ports skill
Safely navigate vessel in and out of port; communicate and cooperate with captain and ship's crew; operate vessel communication and navigation instruments; communicate with other vessels and harbour control centre.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Deck Equipment skill
Handle a wide assortment of deck equipment, including waterproof marine doors, hatches, winches, pumps, cleats, fairleads, portlights, shackles, swivels, tank top covers, anchors, and bollards. Prepare and organise equipment in …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Lifeboats skill
Prepare lifeboats in ships before departure, ensure full functionality in case of emergency, follow regulatory instructions for lifesaving boats.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialSecure Ships Using Rope skill
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWash Decks Of Ships skill
Clean the ship's deck by sweeping and washing it thoroughly. Remove superfluous salt and water to avoid oxidation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWatch For Maritime Navigation Aids skill
Watch 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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 8 displayed)
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OptionalTypes Of Maritime Vessels knowledge
Know a large variety of maritime vessels and their characteristics and specifications. Use that knowledge to ensure that all security, technical, and maintenance measures are taken into account in their …
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalAct Reliably skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDeal With Challenging Work Conditions skill
Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHave Computer Literacy skill
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLift Heavy Weights skill
Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist In Maritime Rescue Operations skill
Provide assistance during maritime rescue operations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct On Board Safety Inspections skill
Conduct on board safety inspections; identify and remove potential threats to the physical integrity of the ship crew.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Lookout Duties During Maritime Operations skill
Maintain a watch during maritime operations, in order to anticipate events and potential hazards.
Course recommendations coming soon.