Will AI replace Ship and hovercraft officers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 87 official task statements scored for Ship and hovercraft officers (United Kingdom, SOC 3512), 25% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 30 out of 100 (range 25–36, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Ship and hovercraft officers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain records of cargo or passenger status” (88/100, very high); “Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels” (85/100, very high); “Purchase equipment and supplies” (85/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Ship and hovercraft officers” stay human?

About 64% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Repair faults in marine equipment to ensure vessel safety and functionality” (0/100, minimal); “Inspect electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment” (0/100, minimal); “Tow and manoeuvre barges” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.

What should someone working in “Ship and hovercraft officers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 25% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 64% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Ship and hovercraft officers calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 87 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Ship and hovercraft officers

consulting maps, charts, allocating watches to crew members for duty rotation and developing plans for construction of structures and estimating associated costs. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI is already taking a real slice of the routine work here: arranging repairs, fuel and supplies for vessels. That is a slice of tasks, not of you.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 25%
changing shape: 11%
staying human: 64%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 30 out of 100 (25–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, across 87 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for ship and hovercraft officers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.

That slice is not coming back; the core of the job, ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship, stays yours. The tools change hands, the accountability doesn't.

Your week, as this page understands it

Ship and hovercraft officers command and navigate ships and other craft, co-ordinate the activities of officers and deck and engine room ratings, operate and maintain communications equipment on board ship and undertake minor repairs to engines, boilers and other mechanical and electrical equipment. The job title says “ship” or “hovercraft officers”: officially one job, two names. The real job is the part underneath: ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But ship and hovercraft officers is not one task. It is 87 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 25%
changing shape: 11%
staying human: 64%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-05. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

22 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Arranging repairs, fuel and supplies for vessels
This is reading one thing and writing another: repairs, fuel and supplies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (81–89 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Ordering fuel, stores and repair work is scheduling and paperwork with suppliers, which software already handles end to end.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Checking weather reports for potential impact on operations
This is reading one thing and writing another: weather reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Check weather reports for potential impact on operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Weather routing software already turns forecasts into operational advice, and the data behind it is public and plentiful.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Carrying out environmental studies for the design of marine engines and equipment
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental studies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Carry out environmental studies for the design of marine engines and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Emissions and environmental studies follow published methods and standard data, so software can produce most of the study for expert review.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing specifications for equipment and tools to enhance marine vessel performance
This is reading one thing and writing another: specifications in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Develop specifications for equipment and tools to enhance marine vessel performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Equipment specifications are written from documented standards and performance data, which software can draft well for engineers to check.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

10 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Designing marine apparatus and equipment
The software now makes the first pass at marine apparatus, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Design marine apparatus and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can propose designs and run the calculations, but turning that into equipment that works at sea needs experienced engineers.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring marine designs are safe
The software now makes the first pass at marine designs are safe, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Ensure marine designs are safe, seaworthy, and cost-effective.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Rule checks against class standards can be largely automated, but a qualified naval architect signs off that a design is safe to build.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out stability analyses of ships to ensure seaworthiness
The software now makes the first pass at stability analyses of ships, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Carry out stability analyses of ships to ensure seaworthiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Approved loading computers already do these calculations, but the master must satisfy himself the ship is safe to sail before she moves.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

55 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Consulting maps, charts, weather reports or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements
This work happens in the physical world: maps, charts, weather reports or navigation equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 3512/01
Source: “Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Route planning software is excellent, but deciding and ordering the ship's movements is done on the bridge by a certificated officer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Acting as the main contact between ship and shore-based staff
The value here is that a specific person handles the main contact and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Act as the main contact between ship and shore-based staff.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 34 out of 100 (27–41 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Routine ship-to-shore reporting is largely standard messages, but being the trusted single point of contact during problems still needs the officer aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing the safety of those onboard the vessel
This work happens in the physical world: the safety of those onboard the vessel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Manage the safety of those onboard the vessel, promoting a safe working environment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Safety paperwork can be drafted by machine, but responsibility for everyone aboard sits by law with the certificated master and officers.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 77 tasks

Maintaining records of cargo or passenger status
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of cargo in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Maintain records of cargo or passenger status.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 88 out of 100 (84–92 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Cargo and passenger records are structured data already held in ship and terminal systems, so keeping them current is easy to automate.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Purchasing equipment and supplies
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: equipment in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Purchase equipment and supplies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 85 out of 100 (81–89 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Ordering equipment and stores is routine purchasing work that systems already handle from stock levels and supplier catalogues.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Monitoring developments in maritime law
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: developments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Monitor developments in maritime law, commerce, and politics.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping up with maritime law, trade and politics is reading and summarising, which software does quickly and well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Using geographical information systems, GIS) for spatial data analysis
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: geographical information systems, gis) in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Use geographical information systems (GIS) for spatial data analysis.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (76–90 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Spatial analysis is done with software already, and the methods are well documented, so machines can do most of this work directly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining detailed records and writing reports to ensure maritime safety
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Maintain detailed records and write reports to ensure maritime safety.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Safety logs and reports follow set formats and draw on data the ship already records, making them easy to draft automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining records of ports of call
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records of ports of call in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Maintain records of ports of call, weather and sea conditions.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Position, weather and port data is captured automatically by ship systems, though the official log remains the master's signed record.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Maintaining records to demonstrate compliance with health
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: records in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Compliance logs are structured forms software can fill from ship systems, though certain entries must still be signed by the responsible officer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Establishing basic characteristics of craft
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: basic characteristics of craft in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draught, by studying design proposals and specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Pulling size, weight and speed figures out of design documents is document analysis that software does quickly and accurately.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining stock of spare parts
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: stock of spare parts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Maintain stock of spare parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Spares tracking and reordering is standard inventory work that systems handle automatically, apart from checking what is physically on the shelf.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Preparing detailed schedules of work to ensure project completion
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: detailed schedules of work in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Prepare detailed schedules of work to ensure project completion.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Work schedules are built from documented tasks, durations and dependencies, which planning software and AI produce to a good standard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing, and applying findingsing from new research and developments in the field
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: new research in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Review and apply findings from new research and developments in the field.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping up with published research and pulling out what matters is reading and summarising, which machines do quickly and well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Allocating watches to crew members for duty rotation
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: watches in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Allocate watches to crew members for duty rotation.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 74 out of 100 (67–81 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building a duty rotation that meets rest-hour rules is a scheduling task software handles quickly, subject to the master's approval.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Assigning watches or living quarters to crew members
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: watches in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Assign watches or living quarters to crew members.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 74 out of 100 (67–81 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Rostering watches and cabins is a scheduling problem with clear rules about rest hours, which software solves quickly and fairly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Developing plans for construction of structures and estimating associated costs
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: plans in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Develop plans for construction of structures and estimate associated costs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Construction plans and cost estimates follow documented methods and standard rates, so software can produce a solid draft for review.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish centre of gravity
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sectional in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Develop sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish centre of gravity, ideal hull form, and buoyancy and stability data.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Hydrostatic curves and stability figures come from well-established calculations that software performs routinely, with a qualified person approving the result.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing product or system layouts and detailed drawings
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: product in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Prepare product or system layouts and detailed drawings.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Layouts and drawings can be generated from specifications by design software, with an engineer checking and finishing the detail.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Directing the preparation of schematics for products or systems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the preparation of schematics in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Direct the preparation of schematics for products or systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Drawing packages are produced with design software and can largely be generated and checked automatically, with someone directing the work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Updating marine engineering record management systems
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: marine engineering record management systems in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Update marine engineering record management systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 61 out of 100 (57–65 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Updating engineering record systems is structured data entry that software fills in from job and maintenance data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ordering supplies to ensure vessel readiness
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at supplies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Order supplies to ensure vessel readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 59 out of 100 (55–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Ordering ship’s stores from stock levels is routine purchasing that systems already reorder automatically.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Advising ships' captains on harbour rules and customs procedures
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at ships' captains, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Advise ships' captains on harbour rules and customs procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Harbour rules and customs procedures are published and easily looked up, so a machine can give this advice reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reporting breaches of national or regional navigation laws to the relevant authorities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at breaches of national, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Report breaches of national or regional navigation laws to the relevant authorities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The written report is straightforward to draft, but it is the master's own account and carries his or her legal responsibility.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reading pressure and temperature gauges or displays to gather data
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at pressure, but part of it still happens in the physical world. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays to gather data.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Most gauges now feed data straight into the ship's monitoring system, though local readings still need someone walking the machinery spaces.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Designing layout of craft interior
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at layout of craft interior, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, and lifts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Layout options can be generated from rules and past designs, but a naval architect still shapes and approves the final arrangement.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring compliance with international regulations regarding equipment use and condition
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at compliance, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Ensure compliance with international regulations regarding equipment use and condition.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Rules and certificates can be checked automatically, but confirming equipment condition aboard, and answering for it, falls to the responsible officer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing ship communication systems
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at ship communication systems, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Manage ship communication systems.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 42 out of 100 (35–49 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Managing message traffic and equipment status is largely digital, though the ship's radio must be operated by a certificated person aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing projects related to the marine environment
staying human
The ratings behind this row put projects well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Develop projects related to the marine environment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 37 out of 100 (30–44 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Drafting and shaping a marine environment project is desk work that writing and research tools support well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring fuel supplies at sites to ensure sufficient availability
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fuel supplies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/02
Source: “Monitor fuel supplies at sites to ensure sufficient availability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 33 out of 100 (26–40 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tracking fuel levels and use is straightforward monitoring, though gauges and tanks still get checked in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adhering to all relevant laws
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for all relevant laws, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Adhere to all relevant laws, regulations, and organisational procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Rules can be looked up and checked automatically, but actually following them aboard is something the certificated officer is personally answerable for.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Operating ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for ship-to-shore radios, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Operate ship-to-shore radios to exchange information needed for ship operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Routine ship-to-shore messages are already digital and easy to automate, but operating the ship's radio requires a certificated operator aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Interviewing and hiring staff to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Interview and hire staff to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Sifting applications is easy to automate, but hiring still turns on interviews and a judgement about the person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Learning to operate new technology systems through instruction
staying human
The ratings behind this row put operate new technology systems well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Learn to operate new technology systems through instruction.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 26 out of 100 (19–33 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over.
The rating behind it: The point of this task is a crew member becoming competent with new kit, which no software can do for them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing the maintenance of a vessel's engines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the maintenance of a vessel's engines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Manage the maintenance of a vessel's engines, weapons systems and communications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Maintenance planning is well suited to software, but the work itself is done in the machinery spaces under a certificated engineer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring vessel equipment to ensure its operational readiness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vessel equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Monitor vessel equipment to ensure its operational readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Alarm and monitoring systems flag problems automatically, but confirming equipment is genuinely ready means checking it aboard the vessel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring the availability of lifesaving and pollution prevention equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the availability, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Monitor the availability of lifesaving and pollution prevention equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 22 out of 100 (15–29 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Tracking what is due for inspection is easy to automate, but confirming lifeboats and equipment are actually there means walking the ship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Using sonars and echo sounders to collect underwater topography data
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: sonars, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Use sonars and echo sounders to collect underwater topography data.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The instruments record and process the data themselves, but a vessel and crew still have to be out on the water collecting it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Training engineers and crew members for routine and emergency duties
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: engineers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Train engineers and crew members for routine and emergency duties.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 15 out of 100 (8–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Course material writes itself easily, but emergency training aboard means practising with real equipment under a certificated officer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preventing ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for ships under navigational control, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Stopping an unsafe movement is an instruction only a certificated officer or harbour authority may give, and it carries legal force.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Reading and interpreting engineering drawings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: drawings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and maintenance manuals to perform accurate and efficient repairs.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Machines are good at pulling the right information out of manuals and drawings, but the repair itself is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Diagnosing and addressing equipment faults to ensure operational efficiency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Diagnose and address equipment faults to ensure operational efficiency.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fault-finding advice is something software gives well, but fixing the equipment means hands on it in the machinery space.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Managing the vessel passage plan during a voyage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the vessel passage plan during a voyage, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Manage the vessel passage plan during a voyage.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 12 out of 100 (5–19 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Planning software drafts routes well, but running the plan at sea is a certificated officer’s job on the bridge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Taking appropriate action in the event of incidents
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appropriate action, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Take appropriate action in the event of incidents, disruptions, or emergencies, documenting actions and outcomes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (7–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Writing up afterwards is easy to automate, but responding to an emergency at sea is done aboard by the certificated officer in charge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking equipment to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Check equipment to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Safety checklists are easy to generate, but the check itself means physically inspecting the equipment, with an officer answerable for the result.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Using whistles, flashing lights, flags or radios to signal passing vessels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: whistles, flashing lights, flags or radios, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Use whistles, flashing lights, flags, or radios to signal passing vessels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 11 out of 100 (4–18 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Signals between vessels are standard and could be triggered automatically, but they are given from the bridge by the certificated officer on watch.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking navigation reports and taking appropriate action based on findings
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: navigation reports, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Check navigation reports and take appropriate action based on findings.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Reading the reports is easy enough, but acting on them means an officer aboard with legal responsibility for the ship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Overseeing the delivery of cargo operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the delivery of cargo operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Oversee the delivery of cargo operations as planned.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Stowage planning is done on software, but overseeing loading means being on deck while it happens.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising crews in cleaning decks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: crews, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Supervise crews in cleaning decks, superstructures, or bridges.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Supervising deck work means being on deck with the crew, though the work planning behind it can be automated.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Checking for oil spills or other pollutants around ports and harbours
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: oil spills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 3512/01
Source: “Check for oil spills or other pollutants around ports and harbours.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (2–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Spotting a spill still means looking at the water around the ship, though cameras and sensors increasingly help with detection.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting environmental, operational or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: environmental, operational or performance tests, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Conduct environmental, operational, or performance tests on marine machinery and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Testing machinery means being in the engine room running the equipment, even though the results are analysed on a computer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Overseeing testing, installation and repairing of marine apparatus and equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: installation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Overseeing installation and repair means being where the equipment is, watching the work and checking it afterwards.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring crew performance to assess their ability to conduct duties
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: crew performance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Monitor crew performance to assess their ability to conduct duties.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Judging whether a crew member can do their job comes from watching them work aboard, not from records.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring loading of freight to ensure compliance with procedures
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: freight, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Monitor loading of freight to ensure compliance with procedures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Watching cargo go aboard happens on deck in real time, with the responsible officer accountable for how the ship is loaded.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supervising the operation and maintenance of deck machinery
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the operation, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Supervise the operation and maintenance of deck machinery, such as winches and cranes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Winches and cranes are watched and worked on deck, with a certificated officer responsible for how they are operated.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting and testing fire, intruder detection or other security systems to verify operational effectiveness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fire, intruder detection or other security systems, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Inspect and test fire, intruder detection, or other security systems to verify operational effectiveness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Testing alarms and detectors means setting them off and checking them in place, with a responsible officer signing the result.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Maintaining effective communications with all parties onboard and ashore throughout the watch
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: effective communications, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Maintain effective communications with all parties onboard and ashore throughout the watch.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Much of this is radio and email traffic, but it runs through an officer on duty aboard the ship.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting and providing technical support for sea trials to evaluate vessel performance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technical support, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Conduct and provide technical support for sea trials to evaluate vessel performance.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sea trials happen on the water with people aboard taking readings, even though the analysis afterwards is largely computerised.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Overseeing construction and testing of prototype in model basin
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: construction, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Oversee construction and testing of prototype in model basin.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Watching a scale model tested in a tank means being at the test facility, and no licence controls who does it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Coordinating the loading and unloading of cargo by crew members
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the loading and unloading of cargo, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Coordinate the loading and unloading of cargo by crew members.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (2–10 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Cargo plans can be produced by software, but directing the actual loading happens on deck with the crew doing the work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Supporting on board learning for junior crew members
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: board, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Support on board learning for junior crew members.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Teaching junior crew works because someone experienced is alongside them on the ship showing how it is done.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting safety drills, man overboard or fire drills
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: safety drills, man overboard or fire drills, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Conduct safety drills such as man overboard or fire drills.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 5 out of 100 (0–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Drills mean crew physically mustering and handling equipment aboard, led by a certificated officer, though planning and record-keeping can be automated.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Taking charge of a watch at sea
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: charge of a watch, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Take charge of a watch at sea, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew by taking decisions on navigation and vessel operations such as avoidance of collision with other vessels, and safe navigation of natural and man-made hazards.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 2 out of 100 (0–6 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: The law requires a certificated officer physically on the bridge keeping lookout and deciding, so this cannot pass to software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the care, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Ensure the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Looking after passengers at sea means being aboard with them, and the law puts a qualified officer in charge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Ensuring the security of the vessel and its contents
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the security of the vessel, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Ensure the security of the vessel and its contents.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Keeping a ship and its cargo secure means patrolling and controlling access aboard the vessel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Monitoring safety, firefighting and life-saving equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: safety, firefighting and life-saving equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Monitor safety, firefighting and life-saving equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Checking lifeboats, fire gear and life-saving equipment means physically inspecting each item aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Navigating the ship
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the ship, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Navigate the ship using radar, satellites, computers, and weather reports as second officer.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Navigating a ship means an officer keeping watch on the bridge; self-steering vessels are not something an employer can simply buy.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Safelying steer and navigate different types of marine craft
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: steer, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Safely steer and navigate different types of marine craft, such as pilot boats, work boats, and survey boats, using navigational systems and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Steering a vessel means being aboard with hands on the controls, which is not something software can take over.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising ship crew members to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: ship crew members, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Supervise ship crew members to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Supervising a crew at sea means being aboard with them throughout the voyage.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Taking charge of a response during an emergency
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: charge of a response during an emergency, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/01
Source: “Take charge of a response during an emergency, including communication with emergency services, search and rescue coordinators and crew.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Leading an emergency at sea means being on the vessel making decisions with the people there.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting incoming and outgoing handover of Watch responsibility with another officer
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: handover of watch responsibility, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Conduct incoming and outgoing handover of Watch responsibility with another officer.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Handing over the watch is a face-to-face exchange between two officers physically on the bridge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Keeping a lookout at all times during the watch
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: a lookout, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Keep a lookout at all times during the watch.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Keeping a lookout means eyes and ears on the bridge for the whole watch.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Manoeuvring vessels in harbours and their approaches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vessels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Manoeuvre vessels in harbours and their approaches, taking into account the constraints and limitations of other craft on the water.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Handling a ship in harbour is done from the bridge by an authorised pilot or exempt master, with hands on the controls.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 4/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Refueling marine vessels to ensure voyage readiness
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: marine vessels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/01
Source: “Refuel marine vessels to ensure voyage readiness.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Bunkering a vessel is a hands-on, tightly controlled fuelling operation carried out aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Measuring vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: vessels' holds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Measure vessels' holds and depths of fuel and water in tanks, using sounding lines and tape measures.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Taking soundings with a line and tape means physically climbing to each tank and hold, which software cannot do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Participating in search-and-rescue operations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: search-and-rescue operations, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Participate in search-and-rescue operations.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Search and rescue means putting a vessel and people into the water to find and recover someone.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Signaling crew members or deckhands to open or close gates or ramps
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: crew members, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Signal crew members or deckhands to open or close gates or ramps.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Signalling crew during ramp operations means standing where you can see them and be seen, which needs a person on the spot.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Towing and manoeuvring barges
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: barges, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 3512/01
Source: “Tow and manoeuvre barges.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Towing and manoeuvring barges is hands-on vessel handling that must be done by a certificated officer aboard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 3/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inspecting electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 3512/02
Source: “Inspect electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Inspecting electrical, mechanical and hydraulic kit means getting to it and testing it by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Repairing faults in marine equipment to ensure vessel safety and functionality
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: faults, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 3512/02
Source: “Repair faults in marine equipment to ensure vessel safety and functionality.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Repairing marine equipment is physical work with tools aboard the vessel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: No median pay figure is published for this exact group, so there is none here. We would rather show you the gap than a number borrowed from somewhere else.The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
People doing this job: 15,300in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: repairs, fuel and supplies in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: arranging repairs, fuel and supplies for vessels and checking weather reports for potential impact on operations. What it cannot do is be answerable: the care needs a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Arranging repairs, fuel and supplies for vessels is going; ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship is not.

So, given all that: 25% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 11% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 64% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 87 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

The occupation is an average and you are not, so the first job below is finding out where your own week actually sits.

This week: one thing

Print the task ledger above and put your own hours next to each row. Roughly, in pen, in one sitting. Then look at which group your hours actually pile up in. Twenty minutes, this week.

What you end up holding: your own week, on one page, sorted into what is shifting and what is not
How long it takes: about twenty minutes

If printing it isn’t practical: Read the rows off this page and write the same list on the back of an envelope. Same twenty minutes, same page, and it works just as well said out loud to someone who knows the job. The point is your hours next to the rows, not the paper it is on.

Over the next 90 days

Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.

Over the next 12 months

Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles ensuring the care and safety of passengers on a ferry or cruise ship, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to ship and hovercraft officers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was officers in armed forces: only about 20% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 30/100 here, with only 25% of the task list in the top band, and “consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct…” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Officers in armed forces
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “safely steer and navigate different types of marine craft”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 20% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 20% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Marine and waterways transport operatives
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “take charge of a watch at sea, ensuring the safety of the vessel and its crew…”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 15% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 15% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Mechanical engineers (professional)
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “oversee testing, installation, and repair of marine apparatus and equipment”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 10% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 10% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on. This release publishes no median pay for that job, so I cannot show you what the move costs or pays. I do not recommend a move I cannot price.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 25% of its task weight, across 87 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The whole-job doom story
Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.
Panic-buying a course
Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In US official statistics this job is counted as Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels, Motorboat Operators and Ship Engineers. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for ship / hovercraft officers, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 25% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for ship / hovercraft officers. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for ship / hovercraft officers launches. Nothing else.

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No Space for ship / hovercraft officers yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for ship / hovercraft officers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for ship / hovercraft officers launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Ship and hovercraft officers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 87 official task statements scored for Ship and hovercraft officers (United Kingdom, SOC 3512), 25% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 30 out of 100 (range 25–36, band: low). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Ship and hovercraft officers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Maintain records of cargo or passenger status” (88/100, very high); “Arrange repairs, fuel, and supplies for vessels” (85/100, very high); “Purchase equipment and supplies” (85/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Ship and hovercraft officers” stay human?: About 64% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Repair faults in marine equipment to ensure vessel safety and functionality” (0/100, minimal); “Inspect electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment” (0/100, minimal); “Tow and manoeuvre barges” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Ship and hovercraft officers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 25% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 64% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Ship and hovercraft officers calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 87 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

The ONS doesn't publish a reliable pay figure for this exact job (too few people in its survey sample), so none is shown here.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
ASHE suppresses or does not publish a median for this unit group. We leave it empty rather than interpolating one from sibling groups, which would be a fabricated number.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: no pay figure published for this groupnomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

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Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.