matrose
Snapshot
Are you drawn to a career on the water, combining practical skills with a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient inland waterway transport? As a matrose, you'll be a key member of the deck crew, contributing to the smooth operation of vessels and responding to critical situations.
As a matrose, you are an essential part of the deck department on inland water transport vessels. Your days are varied and demanding, involving a range of tasks from routine deck maintenance and cargo handling to operating machinery and responding to emergencies. You’ll work closely with the rest of the crew, contributing to the vessel's overall safety and efficiency. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
- • Operating deck machinery, mooring and anchoring equipment.
- • Assisting with cargo loading and unloading operations within the cargo hold.
- • Performing routine deck maintenance and cleaning.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Drivers and mobile plant operators — 52 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Netherlands and 1 more.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 3 years.
Where it is regulated, your qualification would need formal recognition before you could practise.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could matrose fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Concern for Others?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for matrose
The outlook for matrose reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could matrose change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could matrose change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- apply regulations on cargo transport operations
- use different types of fire extinguishers
- manage environmental aspects of inland waterway transportation
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- manage on board hazards
- read stowage plans
- maintain ropes
Tasks most exposed to automation
- communicate reports provided by passengers
- maintain service record book
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Supply Chain & Transportation
A typical day as a matrose
09 09:00 · Morning adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles
10 10:30 · Mid-morning assess stability of vessels
12 12:00 · Midday assess trim of vessels
14 14:00 · Afternoon steer ship in compliance with helm orders
15 15:30 · Late afternoon adhere to traffic regulations on inland waterways
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply regulations on cargo transport operations
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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anchors used in inland water transport
Name and recognise different types of anchors used in inland water transport (IWT); explain the characteristics of different anchors and their specific uses.
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european classification of inland waterways
The European classification of inland waterways and the related regulatory framework.
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influence of winds and currents in the steering of ships
The influence currents, wind strength, and wind direction have on a vessel's navigation and maneuvering abilities.
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inland waterway police regulations
The rules, legal requirements, and relevant police regulations applicable to the traffic on inland waterways.
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passenger transport regulations
The applicable conventions and regulations governing the provision of passenger transport services.
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types of cargo
The different types of cargo e.g. bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo and heavy materials.
- international regulations for cargo handling
- national regulations on handling cargo
- principles of combustion engines
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assist anchoring operations
Assist during anchoring operations; operate equipment and assist in anchor manoeuvres.
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prepare engine room for operation
Prepare and start main engine and auxiliary engines; prepare machinery in engine room prior to departure; know and follow starting procedures according to checklist.
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steer ship in compliance with helm orders
Steer a ship using various propulsion and steering systems, while under supervision and complying with helm orders.
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navigate European inland waterways
Navigate European waterways in accordance with navigation agreements.
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steer vessels
Operate and steer vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, and container ships.
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secure ships using rope
Use rope to secure and untie the ship before departure or upon arrival.
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use waterway traffic control systems
Operate various systems of waterway traffic control. Cooperate with traffic control operators, lockkeepers and bridge, keepers.
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operate marine communication systems
Operate on board marine communication systems. Communicate with other ships or with on-shore control centre e.g. to send urgent messages concerning safety. Transmit or receive alerts, etc.
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use modern electronic navigational aids
Use modern navigational aids such as GPS and radar systems.
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adjust weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles
Adapt weight of cargo to capacity of freight transport vehicles. Oversee the maximum load capacity of the vehicle in question and the weight of each individual crate in the shipment.
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load cargo onto ships
Load and unload cargo onto ships. Oversee cargo loading and discharging operations.
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secure cargo in stowage
Secure cargo stowage with basic knowledge of stowing methods; ensure efficient and safe transport of goods.
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use different types of fire extinguishers
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
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help to control passenger behaviour during emergency situations
Know how to use life-saving equipment in emergency situations. Provide assistance if leakages, collisions or fires should occur, and support the evacuation of passengers. Know crisis and crowd management, and administer first aid on board.
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ensure integrity of hull
Ensure sure that water does not break through the hull; prevent progressive flooding.
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follow procedures in the event of an alarm
Follow safety procedures in the event of an alarm; act according to company instructions and procedures.
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execute safety assurance exercises
Organise and execute safety exercises; ensure safety in potentially dangerous situations.
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undertake navigation safety actions
Recognise unsafe situations and perform follow-up actions according to the safety regulations. Immediately warn ship management. Use personal protective and rescue equipment.
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communicate reports provided by passengers
Transmit information provided by passengers to superiors. Interpret passenger claims and follow up requests.
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maintain service record book
Maintain service record book, in which data related to the on-board time, activities, signatures of skippers, and other details are recorded.
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follow written instructions
Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
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follow verbal instructions
Have the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.
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apply regulations on cargo transport operations
Display knowledge of relevant local, national, European and international regulations, standards, and codes concerning the operation of freight transport.
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comply with checklists
Follow checklists and ensure compliance with all the items included in them.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Where does matrose fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of training or experience is typically needed to become a matrose?
- While specific requirements can vary, a strong aptitude for practical work and a willingness to learn are essential. Prior experience in a maritime environment, even in a supporting role, can be beneficial. Formal training programs focused on deck operations and safety procedures are often advantageous.
- What are the working conditions like for a matrose?
- The work environment can be physically demanding, often involving long hours and exposure to weather conditions. Matroses typically work on board vessels, which may involve periods away from home. Safety is paramount, and adherence to strict protocols is crucial.
- What skills are important for success as a matrose?
- Strong teamwork skills are vital, as you’ll be working closely with other crew members. Physical fitness, attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions precisely, and a proactive approach to safety are also key attributes. Familiarity with basic mechanical principles is often helpful.
- Matrose — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 6 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Finland and 2 more. 5 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Matrose — what does it pay in the United States?
- $49,610 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $23,960 to $76,140. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
- Matrose — is it a regulated profession?
- It is listed as a regulated profession in 12 European countries: Malta, Latvia, Romania, Ireland and 8 more. The lowest qualification level required among them is EQF 3. Where a profession is regulated, a qualification earned elsewhere has to be formally recognised before you can practise. Source: EU Regulated Professions Database.