How to hire an able bodied seaman

How to hire an able bodied seaman, step by step

Here's a step-by-step able bodied seaman hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an able bodied seaman job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new able bodied seaman
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your able bodied seaman job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an able bodied seaman for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An able bodied seaman's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, able bodied seamen from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of able bodied seaman salaries for various roles:

   Type of Able Bodied Seaman	Description	Hourly rate
   Able Bodied Seaman	Water transportation workers operate and maintain vessels that take cargo and people over water. The vessels travel to and from foreign ports across the ocean and to domestic ports along the coasts, across the Great Lakes, and along the country’s many inland waterways.	$10-62
   Tow Truck Driver	Typically working upon the directives of dispatchers, a tow truck driver is in charge of driving to areas where a vehicle accident or breakdown took place, connecting the vehicle to the tow truck, and transporting them to repair stations or particular places. Their responsibilities include communicating with clients to identify their needs, answering inquiries, providing assistance by performing minor repairs, changing tires or jump-starting cars, and recommending solutions when necessary... Show more	$13-24
   Contract Driver	A contract driver mainly provides transport services on a contractual basis. Their duties typically depend on their contract or place of employment; they may deliver goods or provide private transport to clients... Show more	$11-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • TWIC
   • Safety Equipment
   • USCG
   • Rig
   • Coast Guard
   • Hand Tools
   • Stcw
   • Mooring Lines
   • Ladders
   • CPR
   • Helm
   • Boats
   • Firefighting
   • Engine Room

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Train new sailors on proper protocol and assist in training drills.
   • Assist in USCG safety inspections, customer service, and public relations.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your able bodied seaman job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An able bodied seaman salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, able bodied seamen' average salary in colorado is 59% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level able bodied seamen earn 83% less than senior-level able bodied seamen.
   • Certifications. An able bodied seaman with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an able bodied seaman's salary.

   Average able bodied seaman salary

   $54,062yearly

   $25.99 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level able bodied seaman salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an able bodied seaman job description

   A good able bodied seaman job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an able bodied seaman job description:

   Able bodied seaman job description example

   ROTATIONAL SCHEDULE - 3 WEEKS ON / 3 WEEKS OFF!
   
   MSRC is currently looking for an Able Bodied Seaman aboard our Oil Spill Response Vessel located in Grand Isle, LA. This position offers a rotational schedule of three weeks on / three weeks off. Under the direction of the Master and Mate, the Able Bodied Seaman will be responsible for handling mooring or anchoring duties, vessel and equipment cleaning, maintenance, and painting duties.
   
   Requirements:
   
   + Current USCG license of AB Special (Min)
   
   + License endorsements must list endorsements specific to; STCW (RFPNW, Able Seafarer-Deck, lifeboatman)
   
   + Valid USCG medical certificate (STCW) required
   
   + Capable of prolonged, strenuous work onboard vessels at sea
   
   + Effective leadership and written and oral communications skills
   
   + Ability to operate industrial equipment and their systems safely
   
   + Ability to operate a personal computer
   
   + 40-Hour Hazwoper is desired
   
   + Employment is contingent upon:
   
   + completion of a successful background check,
   
   + pre-hire medical exam and drug screen;
   
   + ability to obtain a valid drivers license, TWIC, and U.S. Passport
   
   + This position requires proof of Covid-19 Vaccination
   
   Responsibilities:
   
   + Responsible for the mooring or anchoring duties.
   
   + Carry out vessel and equipment cleaning, maintenance, and painting duties
   
   + Assist in the operation and deployment of response equipment as directed by the Master or his designee.
   
   + Ensure the vessel and its equipment are cleaned and secured after each trip.
   
   + Splice and care for all lines, especially when moored; ensure proper tension and apply chafing gear as needed
   
   Physical Requirements Include, Among Others:
   
   + Requires standing, lifting up to 45lbs
   
   + Requires the ability to wear the personnel protective equipment prescribed by posted signs and written instruction
   
   + Able to work in various temperatures indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain or dry environments
   
   + Ability to perform work in various sea conditions, under all environmental conditions, often wet/oily decks
   
   Internal Applicants:To facilitate process, internal applicants are encouraged to speak with their supervisor and/or their HRA about their interest in, and application for, this position.
   
   Marine Spill Response Corporation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
   
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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find able bodied seamen for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your able bodied seaman job on Zippia to find and recruit able bodied seaman candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit able bodied seamen, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new able bodied seaman

   Once you've decided on a perfect able bodied seaman candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new able bodied seaman. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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