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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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75210.04 – Boat operators

Boat operators, and owner-operators, operate small motorboats or watercraft to transport passengers or freight.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Charter boat captain
  • Lighthouse keeper
  • Motorboat operator
  • Sightseeing boat operator
  • Water taxi captain

Core competencies

  • Operation and Control to control various aspects of the boat, such as engine speed, boat direction, navigational instruments and safety equipment
  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to monitor systems and identify mechanical failures, such as engine malfunctions or steering issues
  • Depth Perception to accurately judge distances, sizes and speeds of other vessels and navigational hazards, ensuring safe and effective maneuvering in varying marine environments
  • Glare Tolerance and Night Vision to identify other watercraft, buoys and hazards beneath the surface of the water against the glare of the sun on the water or in low light conditions
  • Independence to demonstrate strong decision-making skills, self-reliance and the ability to adapt to changing conditions
  • Knowledge in Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment Operations to understand operating and maintaining complex marine vessels, including sophisticated navigation systems and propulsion mechanisms

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate motorboats, launches, small ferry boats and other similar vessels to transport passengers or freight
  • Maintain boats and equipment on board, such as engines, winches, derricks, fire extinguishers and life preservers
  • May perform other duties, such as checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports and harbours, patrolling beaches and measuring depth of water.

Additional information

  • There is little or no mobility among lock equipment operators, cable ferry operators and ferry terminal workers.
  • Mobility between boat operators in this unit group is possible.
  • Progression from boat operator positions to deck officer positions is possible with additional training, experience and certification.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Deck officers, water transport (72602)
  • Water transport deck and engine room crew (74201)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

5 – Occupations usually require short-term work demonstration and no formal education

Major group

75 – Helpers and labourers and other transport drivers, operators and labourers

Sub-major group

752 – Transport drivers, operators and labourers

Minor group

7521 – Water and rail transport operators and labourers and related occupations

Unit group

75210 – Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations

Occupational profile

75210.04 – Boat operators

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.