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Merchant seaman vs able bodied seaman

The differences between merchant seamen and able bodied seamen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an able bodied seaman has an average salary of $54,062, which is higher than the $53,140 average annual salary of a merchant seaman.

The top three skills for a merchant seaman include cargo operations, cranes and general maintenance. The most important skills for an able bodied seaman are TWIC, safety equipment, and USCG.

Merchant seaman vs able bodied seaman overview

Merchant SeamanAble Bodied Seaman
Yearly salary$53,140$54,062
Hourly rate$25.55$25.99
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs627422
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Average age3333
Years of experience--

Merchant seaman vs able bodied seaman salary

Merchant seamen and able bodied seamen have different pay scales, as shown below.

Merchant SeamanAble Bodied Seaman
Average salary$53,140$54,062
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $122,000Between $22,000 And $129,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between merchant seaman and able bodied seaman education

There are a few differences between a merchant seaman and an able bodied seaman in terms of educational background:

Merchant SeamanAble Bodied Seaman
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 42%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeMarine Transportation
Most common college--

Merchant seaman vs able bodied seaman demographics

Here are the differences between merchant seamen' and able bodied seamen' demographics:

Merchant SeamanAble Bodied Seaman
Average age3333
Gender ratioMale, 94.3% Female, 5.7%Male, 94.4% Female, 5.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 17.3% Unknown, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino, 13.2% Asian, 4.9% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%Black or African American, 16.9% Unknown, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 4.8% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.7%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between merchant seaman and able bodied seaman duties and responsibilities

Merchant seaman example responsibilities.

  • Conduct daily JSA's, occasionally lead weekly fire and boat drills.
  • Train in/for basic damage control teams during general quarters and general emergency; shipboard firefighting, controlling compartment flooding.
  • Serve with responsibility for protecting the environment by ensuring the safe transfer of petrochemicals to vessel, dock, or barge.

Able bodied seaman example 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.
  • Show more

Merchant seaman vs able bodied seaman skills

Common merchant seaman skills
  • Cargo Operations, 43%
  • Cranes, 40%
  • General Maintenance, 17%
Common able bodied seaman skills
  • TWIC, 14%
  • Safety Equipment, 11%
  • USCG, 10%
  • Rig, 8%
  • Coast Guard, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 6%

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