Able Seaman (AB) and Ordinary Seaman (OS) ratings were once called z-cards,
but are now endorsements on the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). With a
few exceptions an OS or an AB rating is required to work on all ocean going
commercial vessels of greater than 100 gross tons.
Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry level rating that requires no sea service
experience, exams or training. Once called a z-card, today it is an endorsement
on your MMC. This position is considered a training position and advancement
from OS can be to any department on the ship.
and training. To qualify as an AB you are required to satisfying the USCG exam
requirements and must complete the following STCW 95 (Standards in Training
and Certification for Watchstanders) courses at an approved school, if not
previously completed.
The Able Seaman rating you receive will be dependent on your qualifying
experience. The following is a list of the different AB ratings, the qualifying sea
service experience and the vessels that they authorize authority over.
USCG Approved Courses Offered
but are now endorsements on the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). With a
few exceptions an OS or an AB rating is required to work on all ocean going
commercial vessels of greater than 100 gross tons.
Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry level rating that requires no sea service
experience, exams or training. Once called a z-card, today it is an endorsement
on your MMC. This position is considered a training position and advancement
from OS can be to any department on the ship.
and training. To qualify as an AB you are required to satisfying the USCG exam
requirements and must complete the following STCW 95 (Standards in Training
and Certification for Watchstanders) courses at an approved school, if not
previously completed.
- Basic Safety Training (BST) that includes training in basic firefighting,
first aid and CPR, personal survival techniques, and personal safety and
social responsibility. - Proficiency in Survival Craft for either lifeboatman or lifeboatman
limited.
The Able Seaman rating you receive will be dependent on your qualifying
experience. The following is a list of the different AB ratings, the qualifying sea
service experience and the vessels that they authorize authority over.
AB Unlimited requires 1080 days of sea service experience on the deck
of vessels operating on ocean waters. An AB Unlimited authorizes the
authority to work in the deck department of any vessel.
- AB Limited requires 540 days of sea service experience on the deck of
vessels greater than 100 gross tons operating on ocean waters. An AB
Limited authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of any
vessel less than 1600 GRT and AB limiteds can makeup 50% of the
required able seaman on vessels greater than 1600 GRT.
- AB Special requires 360 days of sea service experience on the deck of
vessels operating on oceans or federally navigable inland waters. An AB
Special authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of any
vessel less than 500 GRT and AB specials can makeup 50% of the
required able seaman on vessels greater than 500 GRT.
- AB Fishing requires 180 days of sea service experience on the deck of
vessels operating on oceans or federally navigable inland waters. An AB
Fishing authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of fishing
industry vessels only.
AB OSV (Offshore Supply Vessel) requires 180 days of sea service
experience on the deck of vessels operating on oceans or federally
navigable inland waters. An AB OSV authorizes the authority to work in
the deck department of oil industry vessels only.
AB Sail requires 180 days of sea service experience on the deck of sailing
vessels operating on ocean or federally navigable inland waters. An AB
Sail authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of sailing
vessels only.
USCG Approved Courses Offered
- 48-hour Able Seaman Course
- Any applicant who has successfully completed
your 48-hour Able Seaman course and who
presents your Certificate of Training at a Regional
Exam Center WITHIN ONE YEAR of the
completion of training, will satisfy the examination
requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck &
Navigation General / Deck Safety” and “Deck
General & Safety / Rules of the Road” exam
modules for any Able Seaman endorsement; AND
the practical (knot-tying) examination
requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for any Able
Seaman endorsement.
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| Ordinary Seaman / Able Body Seaman |
