Vessel steering instructor
Also known as: cruise ship instructor, helm instructor, helmsman, ship steering teacher, vessel steering teacher, helmsman teacher
About this occupation
Vessel steering instructors teach people the theory and practice of how to operate a vessel safely and according to regulations. They assist students in developing the skills needed to steer and prepare them for the driving theory and the driving examinations. They may also supervise driving examinations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- vessel safety equipment
- health and safety measures in transportation
- mechanics of vessels
- physical parts of the vessel
- assist students in their learning
- interpret traffic signals
- curriculum objectives
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
- give constructive feedback
- apply teaching strategies
- vessel stability principles
- vessel electrical system
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Exercise Physiologists (O*NET 29-1128.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
- Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
- Provide clinical oversight of exercise for participants at all risk levels.
- Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- Interview participants to obtain medical history or assess participant goals.
- Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Social
Top skills: Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Writing, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$59,460 a year (2025), 8,560 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyVery important (4.0)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.6)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
- Athletic Trainers
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Recreational Therapists
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Occupational Therapists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.