How much does a able bodied seaman make?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 31, 2026
Average Salary for an Able Bodied Seaman Able Bodied Seamen in America make an average salary of $70,044 per year or $34 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $205,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $23,000 per year.
How can I get ordinary seaman certificate?
To meet the requirements, you must:
- be 18 years or older;
- pass a medical exam;
- speak English;
- pass a drug test;
- pass an exam demonstrating your knowledge as a seaman; and.
- meet the sea service or training requirements laid out in §12.403.
What are the general requirement to obtain a certificate of competency for able seaman?
The rating must: Age: be not less than 18 years of age. Certification: Meet the requirements for certification as a rating forming part of a navigational watch. Seagoing Service: have completed 18 months approved seagoing service in the deck department, or 12 months and completed approved training.
What is the work of able bodied seaman?
An AB dayworker performs general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department. This can include maintenance of the ship’s metal structures such as chipping, scraping, cleaning, priming, and painting.
What is the age limit for seaman?
16 years old
Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (‘MLC’): A person must be 16 years old or above to work as a seafarer.
How long does it take to become an able seaman?
To get your able seaman endorsement, you need documented sea service — at least 180 days. What qualifies as a day of sea service? According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 8 hours of day-working or watchstanding, not including overtime.
What is Basic seaman course?
Also known as “BT,” “SOLAS,” “BST,” or “Basic Safety,” Basic Training is a mandatory course designed to teach seafarers (1) personal survival techniques, (2) fire prevention and fire-fighting, (3) elementary first-aid, and (4) personal safety and social responsibilities in keeping with Section A-VI/1 of the Standards …
How many years is a seaman course?
In the Philippines, there are around 80 to 100 maritime schools that offer these courses. Notably, the BSMT is a four-year course that trains aspiring seafarers on navigation, basic safety, radio communication, and other skills.
What are the STCW requirements?
To obtain an STCW endorsement on the rating or license that you hold, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements such as age, sea-service, training and onboard assessment. To receive STCW endorsements, you need to complete U.S. Coast Guard-approved maritime training courses that prove your competency.
How much is the salary of a seaman Captain?
In 2017, the average pay for a ship captain was $80,970. The highest earners garnered $138,620 and the lowest reported salary for a ship captain was $35,640. Inland water transportation captains have the highest earning potential.
How long is the able bodied seaman course?
The Able Seaman (AB) Course (MITPMI-1) is a five-day USCG approved course for entry-level mariners on commercial vessels. This training is designed to provide you with the knowledge and proficiency required of a licensed mariner so you can maximize safety and performance at sea.
What can you do with an Able Seaman certification?
This certification is required to crew vessels over 100 gross tons. An able seaman can work in a variety of marine industries and helps with vessel operations, maintenance and safety. If you’re thinking about going to maritime training school and getting your able seaman endorsement, you’re serious about being on the water.
How many days of deck service do you need to be an able bodied seaman?
AB Special: Demands 360 days of deck service on a vessel navigating U.S. bodies of water. Our ordinary seaman training courses provide the necessary skills to meet the above able seaman requirements.
How to get an able bodied seaman rating?
To qualify for an Able Seaman rating, you need to: 1 Be 18 years or older 2 Pass a drug test 3 Pass a medical and physical exam 4 Fall in line with the sea service requirements 5 Provide proof of citizenship and your Social Security card 6 TWIC More …
