Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 6 (20%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 4 (13%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 20 (67%)

• Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Report to appropriate authorities any violations of federal or state pilotage laws.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Maintain records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather and sea conditions, pollution control efforts, or cargo or passenger status.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Advise ships' masters on harbor rules and customs procedures.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Learn to operate new technology systems and procedures through instruction, simulators, or models.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Calculate sightings of land, using electronic sounding devices and following contour lines on charts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Purchase supplies or equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Interview and hire crew members.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dock or undock vessels, sometimes maneuvering through narrow spaces, such as locks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Stand watches on vessels during specified periods while vessels are under way.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect vessels to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and conformance to regulations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Read gauges to verify sufficient levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or oxygen.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide assistance in maritime rescue operations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Signal passing vessels, using whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure depths of water, using depth-measuring equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Signal crew members or deckhands to rig tow lines, open or close gates or ramps, or pull guard chains across entries.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain boats or equipment on board, such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers, or life preservers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe loading or unloading of cargo or equipment to ensure that handling and storage are performed according to specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct or coordinate crew members or workers performing activities such as loading or unloading cargo, steering vessels, operating engines, or operating, maintaining, or repairing ship equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Arrange for ships to be fueled, restocked with supplies, or repaired.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise crews in cleaning or maintaining decks, superstructures, or bridges.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Tow and maneuver barges or signal tugboats to tow barges to destinations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform various marine duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports or harbors or patrolling beaches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.Little or no AI speed-up