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Deck

Ordinary Seaman (OS): open recruitment

Ordinary Seaman (OS) jobs: open recruitment for entry-level deck ratings. Basic Training (STCW VI/1), seaman's book and the route to AB. Apply online.

Vessel typeVarious Vessels
LocationWorldwide
ContractCommonly 6 to 9 months
JoiningUpcoming vacancies
CompanyCrewing agencies and shipowners we work with
SalarySet by the employer for each vacancy

Role overview

Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This is not a single vacancy with a fixed joining date: apply to be considered for upcoming Ordinary Seaman vacancies.

What a Ordinary Seaman does

The OS is the entry-level deck rating. The job is mainly deck maintenance and cleaning, helping the ABs with mooring lines, painting and greasing, handling stores and assisting during cargo work, under the bosun. An OS learns the ship, the safety equipment and watch routines. Where the OS holds RFPNW, the OS can also keep a lookout or helm watch with the officer of the watch.

Certificates required

  • Basic Training (STCW Reg. VI/1): personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities
  • Security awareness (STCW Reg. VI/6), or designated security duties if you have security tasks on board
  • Seafarer medical certificate (STCW Reg. I/9 and MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2), valid for a maximum of 2 years
  • Seaman’s book (discharge book) from a flag state
  • RFPNW (STCW Reg. II/4) only if the OS keeps a navigational watch; usually obtained later with sea time

Sea service and promotion

RFPNW (STCW Reg. II/4) requires approved seagoing service with at least 6 months of training and experience, or special training with at least 2 months of approved seagoing service. With RFPNW and 12 to 18 months of deck service (STCW Reg. II/5), the OS can move up to Able Seafarer Deck (AB). The minimum age for work on board is 16 (MLC 2006, Standard A1.1).

Typical ships

Contract length

Commonly 6 to 9 months, set by the employer for each vacancy. MLC 2006 limits continuous service on board to less than 12 months before the seafarer is entitled to repatriation.

How to apply

  1. Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
  2. Fill in your online CV: rank, sea service, certificate of competency, STCW certificates, medical and seaman’s book. Upload copies of your documents.
  3. Apply to this post with one click and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.

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Related ranks

Seafarers: see how Seafarers Recruitment works for seafarers. Employers and crewing agencies: post a vacancy or search crew.

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