Able Seaman (AB) Jobs

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 Able Seaman vacancies.

What a Able Seaman does

The AB is a skilled deck rating. At sea the AB stands navigational watches as helmsman and lookout with the officer of the watch. In port the AB keeps gangway and deck watches, handles mooring lines, takes part in cargo work and works with the bosun on deck maintenance: chipping, painting, greasing, rigging and cleaning. ABs also take part in all emergency drills.

Certificates required

Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, RFPNW (STCW Reg. II/4)
Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Reg. II/5), asked for by most employers
Basic Training (STCW Reg. VI/1): personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities
Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (STCW Reg. VI/2)
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
On tankers and gas carriers: basic tanker training (STCW Reg. V/1-1 or V/1-2)

Sea service and promotion

Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Reg. II/5) requires RFPNW plus at least 18 months of seagoing service in the deck department, or 12 months with approved training. From AB, the next step is bosun, or officer of the watch through STCW Reg. II/1 (36 months of approved seagoing service if not following a cadet programme).

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.