USA Able Seaman Career Guide

Your comprehensive resource for understanding the Able Seaman career path in the U.S. Merchant Marine

Overview

What is an Able Seaman?

Learn about the Able Seaman role, responsibilities, work environment, and the upcoming change to "Able Seafarer" terminology.

Certification

Requirements and endorsements

Understand the requirements for different AB endorsements, sea time requirements, and the application process.

Job Duties

Day-to-day responsibilities

Explore the various duties of an AB, including navigation watch, maintenance, mooring operations, and emergency response.

Pay & Salary

Compensation information

Learn about pay structures, typical salary ranges by vessel type, and factors that affect compensation.

Safety

Hazards and best practices

Understand the safety considerations, common hazards, and best practices for maintaining safety at sea.

Career Path

Advancement opportunities

Discover the career progression paths available to ABs, including both unlicensed and licensed options.

Interview Preparation

Ace your Able Seaman job interviews

Prepare for common interview questions, learn effective answering strategies, and understand what employers are looking for in Able Seaman candidates.

Important Updates

Terminology Change

Effective January 17, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard is officially changing the term "Able Bodied Seaman" (AB) to "Able Seafarer" in all national endorsements.

Reduced Sea Time Requirements

The U.S. Coast Guard has temporarily reduced sea time requirements for AB endorsements from December 22, 2023 to December 22, 2026.