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What is an able bodied seaman and how to become one
Able-bodied seamen are responsible for using emergency, damage control, lifesaving, and safety equipment on the merchant ship. They perform general repair, maintenance, and sanitation duties. Also, they monitor the ship during its course or trip. They work on the merchant ship and help with general lifting operations by loading equipment and supplies aboard the vessel. Furthermore, they operate skiffs and rowboats to transport personnel. Additionally, they secure and remove the vessel's docking lines to and from docks and other vessels or platforms.
Primarily, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent to apply for this job. However, having a training program certificate is a plus. You must have a year or more of relevant experience. Applicants must possess decision-making, attention to detail, interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills. You must be physically fit. Able-bodied seamen make an average annual salary of $54,529. This ranges between $35,000 and $84,000.
Avg. Salary $54,062
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.70%
Asian 4.77%
Black or African American 16.92%
Hispanic or Latino 12.91%
Unknown 9.35%
White 54.35%
Genderfemale 5.64%
male 94.36%
Age - 31American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 31Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
Able bodied seaman career paths
Key steps to become an able bodied seaman
Explore able bodied seaman education requirements
Start to develop specific able bodied seaman skills
Skills Percentages TWIC 14.32% Safety Equipment 10.63% USCG 9.88% Rig 7.54% Coast Guard 5.96% Complete relevant able bodied seaman training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New able bodied seamen learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an able bodied seaman based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real able bodied seaman resumes.Research able bodied seaman duties and responsibilities
- Conduct daily JSA's, occasionally lead weekly fire and boat drills.
- Operate scissor lift, fork truck, and a JLG.
- Earn a marksmanship ribbon for qualifying.
- Award the marksman ribbon for both pistol and rifle.
Prepare your able bodied seaman resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your able bodied seaman resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an able bodied seaman resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable able bodied seaman resume templates
Build a professional able bodied seaman resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your able bodied seaman resume.
Apply for able bodied seaman jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an able bodied seaman job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first able bodied seaman job
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Average able bodied seaman salary
The average able bodied seaman salary in the United States is $54,062 per year or $26 per hour. Able bodied seaman salaries range between $22,000 and $129,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do able bodied seamen rate their job?
Able bodied seaman reviews
Taking on the responsibility of any and all safety duties ,line handling , knowledge of fire fighting and basic first aid. ( I saved a man's life once .One of the crew members by performing first aid.
Can't say much on what I don't like other than when having to listen to people who are appsoluty wrong and I have to follow the chain of command.Thankly every worked out.
I don't want my boss to scold me
Pays well, job security is great, you don’t have to deal with a ton of people on a day to day basis
Being away from home if you work as a tankerman on a vessel. Enduring outside elements for long periods at a time.
Updated January 8, 2025
