What is a Motorboat Operator?

Job Description & Duties Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.

What Do Motorboat Operators Do On a Daily Basis?

• Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
• Direct safety operations in emergency situations.
• Clean boats and repair hulls and superstructures, using hand tools, paint, and brushes.
• Issue directions for loading, unloading, and seating in boats.
• Oversee operation of vessels used for carrying passengers, motor vehicles, or goods across rivers, harbors, lakes, and coastal waters.
• Take depth soundings in turning basins.

Skills Needed to be a Motorboat Operator

Below is a list of the skills most Motorboat Operators say are important on the job.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Motorboat Operator Jobs

• Launchman
• Water Taxi Boat Mate
• Towboat Operator
• Towboat Captain
• Deputy Harbormaster

Are There Job Opportunities for Motorboat Operators?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,600 jobs in the United States for Motorboat Operator. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 300 new jobs for Motorboat Operator by 2026. There will be an estimated 400 positions for Motorboat Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Motorboat Operator are Texas, Florida, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, North Carolina, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Motorboat Operators Salary

The typical yearly salary for Motorboat Operators is somewhere between $23,830 and $78,120.

Motorboat Operators who work in New York, Illinois, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.

How much do Motorboat Operators make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$47,270
Arizona	$50,430
California	$47,420
Florida	$38,550
Hawaii	$51,190
Illinois	$67,270
Louisiana	$50,140
Massachusetts	$34,780
Michigan	$44,890
Minnesota	$39,130
New Jersey	$56,740
New York	$65,120
Oregon	$54,010
Tennessee	$49,250
Texas	$48,440
Virginia	$44,360
Washington	$55,040

Tools & Technologies Used by Motorboat Operators

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Motorboat Operators:

• Web browser software
• Global positioning system GPS software
• Cartography software

How do I Become a Motorboat Operator?

Individuals working as a Motorboat Operator have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.