Coastal Navigation Operator Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Coastal Navigation Operator

Best Schools to become a Coastal Navigation Operator in U.S. 2024

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

West Mifflin, PA

In-State Tuition:$16,995
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,995
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:57%
Total Enrollment:541

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati, OH

In-State Tuition:$4,284
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,568
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:17%
Total Enrollment:8,404

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

In-State Tuition:$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition:$28,520
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:51,528

Eastern Florida State College

Melbourne, FL

In-State Tuition:$2,048
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,399
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:51%
Total Enrollment:13,114

Nunez Community College

Chalmette, LA

In-State Tuition:$3,335
Out-of-State Tuition:$3,335
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:25%
Total Enrollment:2,393
Coastal Navigation Operator Job Description:
  • Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages.
  • May supervise such operations.
  • Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Coastal Navigation Operator

Job Duties for Coastal Navigation Operators

  • Control machinery to open and close canal locks and dams, railroad or highway drawbridges, or horizontally or vertically adjustable bridges.

  • Direct movements of vessels in locks or bridge areas, using signals, telecommunication equipment, or loudspeakers.

  • Observe position and progress of vessels to ensure best use of lock spaces or bridge opening spaces.

Technologies and Skills Used by Coastal Navigation Operators

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Coastal Navigation Operator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Coastal Navigation Operator

FAQs About Becoming a Coastal Navigation Operator