Maritime & transport
Sailor / marine oiler
Support vessel operations through deck work, equipment care, watch duties and other assigned shipboard tasks.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Maritime training + role-specific credentials
Compare entry deck and engine-department roles with the education, sea service and credentials each requires. A vessel-operations degree can provide a foundation, but it does not itself grant a captain’s license or guarantee a berth.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “Less than high school.” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Clatsop Community College
Vessel Operations
Explore vessel operation, seamanship and maritime work through classroom and practical learning.
Ask: Which sea-service and credential requirements would remain after completing the degree?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Would I enjoy team-based work on the water, changing weather and potentially extended time away from home?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $33.85. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 281 jobs in 2024 to 287 in 2034. The projected 337 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →