Also called: DPO
Uses computer-controlled thrusters to hold a ship perfectly still over a spot in the open sea.
On drillships and construction vessels, DPOs watch a console that keeps the ship within a few feet of position in waves and wind, so divers, ROVs, or drill pipes below stay safe.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 4 years after high school. Deck officer license plus Nautical Institute DP certification and sea time.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Transportation, Nautical Science.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Computers already hold the ship; operators monitor and take over in failures, and more remote and automated DP may trim seats.
Classes: Physics, Trigonometry, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5021.
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