The able seaman (AB) is the backbone of the deck crew: on watch at the wheel and on lookout, on day work keeping the ship in shape, and at every mooring. It is also one of the ranks with the most vacancies on any job board.
What an AB does
- Watchkeeping. Lookout and helmsman on the bridge watch, usually alongside an officer of the watch; gangway and deck watches in port.
- Maintenance. Rust removal and painting, greasing, cleaning holds or tanks, repairs under the bosun's direction.
- Mooring and anchoring. Handling ropes and winches fore and aft — the moment where an AB's experience matters most.
- Cargo. Lashing and unlashing, hatch covers, assisting with hoses and manifolds on tankers.
- Safety. Drills, maintenance of the life-saving equipment, rigging pilot ladders.
What it takes
The certificate is able seafarer deck under STCW Regulation II/5:
- at least 18 years old;
- first qualified as a rating forming part of a navigational watch (STCW II/4);
- then at least 18 months of approved sea service in the deck department in that capacity — or 12 months if you completed approved training.
You also need Basic Training (fire-fighting, survival, first aid, personal safety), Security Awareness or Designated Security Duties, a valid seafarer medical, and your seaman's book and passport. Tankers and gas carriers add the cargo familiarisation courses.
How to get the first AB contract
- Count your sea time carefully — the months as OS are what the AB certificate is built from.
- Keep every course valid before you apply; an expired one is the most common reason for a "no".
- Start where juniors are hired — bulk carriers and general cargo — and move to tankers or offshore later.
- Basic English matters: you will be taking helm orders and working with a mixed crew.
The path
Ordinary seaman → able seaman → bosun. Some ABs study for the officer-of-the-watch certificate and move to the bridge.
Pay and jobs
The current range from real vacancies is on the able seaman jobs page; a comparison by rank is on our salaries page.
Your CV
Crewing desks read an AB's CV for vessel types, months at sea and certificates with expiry dates. The maritime CV lays them out on one page.
Requirements follow STCW; your flag state may add its own. Check them with your maritime administration.