Career Details :: Able Seamen
Description
Stand watch at bow or on wing of bridge to look for obstructions in path of vessel. Measure water depth. Turn wheel on bridge or use emergency equipment as directed by mate. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Chip rust from and paint deck or ship's structure. Must hold government-issued certification. Must hold certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Steers ship under direction of ship's commander or navigating officer, or directs helmsman to steer, following designated course.
- Maintains ship's log while in port and stands gangway watch to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ship.
- Steers ship and maintains visual communication with other ships.
- Breaks out, rigs, overhauls, and stows cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear.
- Stands by wheel when ship is on automatic pilot and verifies accuracy of course by comparing with magnetic compass.
- Paints and chips rust on deck or superstructure of ship.
- Stows or removes cargo from ship's hold.
- Overhauls lifeboats and lifeboat gear and lowers or raises lifeboats with winch or falls.
- Gives directions to crew engaged in cleaning wheelhouse and quarter deck.
- Measures depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using lead line, and telephones or shouts information to bridge.
- Relays specified signals to ships in vicinity, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker light and semaphore.
- Stands watch from bow of ship or wing of bridge to look for obstruction in path of ship.
Related Careers
- Bridge and Lock Tenders
- Mates, Ship, Boat, and Barge
- Ordinary Seamen and Marine Oilers
- Pilots, Ship
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
- Railroad Yard Workers
- Truck Drivers, Heavy
- Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Operating Vehicles or Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Frustrating Circumstances
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Small Vessel Operations |  [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
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