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ESCO occupation

sailor

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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. 

8350.7 ISCO 8350 ESCO source
Competences
32
Groups
4
Essential
24
Optional
8

Competences and skills

32 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
anchors used in maritime water transport

The types of anchors used in maritime transport operations according to the type of vessel, port characteristics and regulatory guidelines.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

1 competence
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

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.

Scope note
It performs searching and rescue activities and coordination, provides safety information and general radio communications.
ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 22 competences

Occupation specific

3 competences
clean ships

Remove dirt from the ship by sweeping, scrubbing and washing the deck and other areas. Remove superfluous salt and water to avoid oxidation.

ESCO source
steer vessels in ports

Direct 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. Communicate and cooperate with captain and ship's crew; operate vessel communication and navigation instruments; communicate with other vessels and harbour control centre.

ESCO source
watch for maritime navigation aids

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.

ESCO source

Sector-specific

12 competences
anchor ships to the port

Anchor ships to the port according to the type of vessel.

ESCO source
assist anchoring operations

Assist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.

ESCO source
clean parts of vessels

Clean engine rooms and vessel components using appropriate cleaning materials; ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

ESCO source
communicate reports provided by passengers

Transmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.

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ensure public safety and security

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.

ESCO source
operate echo sounding equipment

Operate technological equipment to measure the ocean's depth. Calculate and interpret results, and communicate them to management.

digital
ESCO source
operate traditional water depth measurement equipment

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.

ESCO source
paint ship decks

Detect and remove rust using primers and sealants; paint vessel decks to fend off oxidation process.

ESCO source
prepare deck equipment

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 the required locations and quantity on board a vessel.

ESCO source
prepare lifeboats

Prepare lifeboats in ships before departure, ensure full functionality in case of emergency, follow regulatory instructions for lifesaving boats.

ESCO source
secure ships using rope

Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.

ESCO source
unmoor vessels

Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

7 competences
follow verbal instructions

Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.

ESCO source
follow work procedures

Adhere to procedures at work in a structured and systematic manner.

ESCO source
follow written instructions

Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.

ESCO source
guide ships into docks

Safely guide a ship into a dock and anchor it.

ESCO source
moor vessels

Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.

ESCO source
use different types of fire extinguishers

Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.

ESCO source
use maritime English

Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.

Scope note
Interpret information received in English by any means to perform technical functions on board or respond to contingencies: written and oral information (face to face or radio among others). Complete writen information in English for the release of the vessel and the management of vessel activity. Express in English to steer the boat, transmit orders safely and to solve relief and emergency situations. Use seaspeak according to the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.
ESCO source
Optional knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
types of maritime vessels

Various types of maritime vessels such as container ships, passenger ships and fishing vessels, and their characteristics and specifications, security, technical, and maintenance requirements.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Optional skills and competences 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
assist in maritime rescue operations

Provide assistance during maritime rescue operations.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
act reliably

Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.

ESCO source
conduct on board safety inspections

Conduct on board safety inspections; identify and remove potential threats to the physical integrity of the ship crew.

ESCO source
deal with challenging work conditions

Deal with challenging circumstances in which to perform work, such as night work, shift work, and atypical working conditions.

ESCO source
have computer literacy

Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

digital
ESCO source
lift heavy weights

Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.

ESCO source
perform lookout duties during maritime operations

Maintain a watch during maritime operations, in order to anticipate events and potential hazards.

ESCO source