Ships that operate in rivers or harbors may only have a captain and one deckhand or they may have up to ten people on the crew. Large vessels also have a full-time cook, while on smaller ships a seaman does the cooking. Merchant ships also have an electrician, machinery mechanics, and radio officer. Water Transportation Workers is in the Mechanical Repair and Precision Crafts Career Cluster. Frequently need to observe a large area of water ahead of the ship, while focusing on steering mechanisms and navigational charts Occasionally climb ladders and keep balanced as the ship sways Occasionally lift and move objects that weigh up to 20 pounds Occasionally stoop, kneel, and crouch while aboard ship Work Setting Water transportation workers are exposed to all types of weather, including wetness and humidity.
Many ships are noisy because of the engines.
Sailors try to avoid storms but often must go through them. It is rare that vessels sink, but workers must be prepared to abandon their ship if necessary. Workers also risk injury or death from falling overboard or working with machinery and heavy loads of cargo. Merchant marine officers and sailors, both experienced and beginners, are hired through union hiring halls or by shipping companies. Work schedules vary by the type of boat.