The ordinary seaman (OS) is the entry rank on deck — the job most people mean when they search for "work at sea without experience". It does not need years of college, and it is the first step to able seaman and bosun.
What an OS does
- Maintenance. Rust removal, painting, cleaning and greasing under the direction of the bosun and the ABs.
- Watchkeeping. Lookout on the bridge watch once qualified, and deck and gangway watches in port.
- Mooring. Assisting the ABs with ropes and heaving lines fore and aft.
- Cargo and stores. Lashing, hold cleaning, taking provisions and stores on board.
What it takes
To stand a navigational watch you need the certificate of a rating forming part of a navigational watch under STCW Regulation II/4:
- at least 16 years old (many companies hire from 18);
- approved sea service including at least six months of training and experience — or special training ashore or on board that includes at least two months of approved sea service;
- Basic Training (fire-fighting, survival, first aid, personal safety) and Security Awareness;
- a valid seafarer medical, a seaman's book and a passport.
The exact route — a short course at a maritime school or training on board — depends on your country's maritime administration.
How to get the first contract
- Get the documents first: seaman's book, medical, Basic Training. Without them nobody will consider you.
- Learn basic English — commands, safety words, numbers.
- Apply to agencies that take juniors, and to the fleets that hire them: bulk carriers, general cargo, river-sea ships.
- Never pay for a job. An honest agency is paid by the shipowner; "a fee for a place on board" is a scam.
The path
Ordinary seaman → able seaman (after the sea time required by STCW II/5) → bosun, or study for the officer-of-the-watch certificate.
Pay and jobs
The OS is the entry rank, so the pay is the lowest on deck — and it rises with each step. The current range from real vacancies is on the ordinary seaman jobs page; compare ranks on our salaries page.
Your CV
With little sea time, the maritime CV shows what you do have — courses, documents, languages and any work with tools — in the order a crewing manager reads it.
Requirements follow STCW; your flag state may add its own. Check them with your maritime administration.