Career Progression Path

The maritime industry offers clear pathways for career advancement. Starting as an Ordinary Seaman (OS) or Able Seaman (AB), mariners can progress to higher positions with additional sea time, training, and licensing. This section outlines the typical career progression paths available to ABs.

Unlicensed Path

Advancement within unlicensed ratings

Ordinary Seaman (OS)
Entry-level position with basic duties and responsibilities
Able Seaman (AB) - Various Endorsements
- AB Special (180 days sea time)
- AB Limited (360 days sea time)
- AB Unlimited (540 days sea time)
Increased responsibilities and higher pay
Bosun (Boatswain)
Head of the deck department, supervising ABs and OSs
Typically requires several years as an AB and leadership skills
Specialized Ratings
- Tankerman PIC (Person-In-Charge)
- Pumpman (on tankers)
- Crane Operator
Specialized roles with additional certifications

Licensed Path (Hawsepipe)

Advancement to licensed officer positions

Able Seaman (AB)
Starting point for the hawsepipe route to officer
Third Mate
Entry-level deck officer position
Requires 1,080 days of sea time as AB (reduced to 540 days until 2026)
Must pass USCG examinations
Second Mate
Requires 360 days of sea time as Third Mate
Chief Mate
Requires 360 days of sea time as Second Mate
Master (Captain)
Requires 360 days of sea time as Chief Mate
In command of the vessel

Hawsepipe vs. Maritime Academy

The "hawsepipe" route refers to working your way up from unlicensed to licensed positions through sea time and examinations, without attending a maritime academy. While this route takes longer, many mariners prefer it as they earn while learning and gain valuable practical experience. Maritime academy graduates typically start as Third Mates but may lack the practical experience of hawsepipers.

Alternative Career Paths

Engine Department

ABs can transition to the engine department:

Wiper: Entry-level engine position
QMED (Qualified Member of the Engine Department): Various endorsements
Engine Officer: With additional sea time and examinations

This path may require additional training in engineering principles and systems.

Specialized Vessels

ABs can specialize in specific vessel types:

Tugboats: Often more home time with harbor work
Offshore Supply Vessels: Supporting oil and gas industry
Cruise Ships: More passenger-oriented work
Research Vessels: Supporting scientific operations
Dredging Vessels: Specialized in waterway maintenance

Each vessel type offers unique experiences and skill development.

Shore-Based Careers

Maritime experience is valuable for shore positions:

Port Operations: Harbormaster, port captain
Maritime Education: Instructor at maritime academies
Vessel Inspection: Marine surveyor, USCG inspector
Shipping Companies: Operations, management
Maritime Law: With additional education

These positions often offer more regular schedules and home time.

Time Frame for Advancement

The time required to advance through these career paths varies based on several factors, including how much you work, the type of vessels you work on, and whether you pursue additional education.

Example Timeline (Hawsepipe Route):

OS to AB Special: 6 months to 1 year (180 days sea time)
AB Special to AB Unlimited: 1-2 years (additional 360 days sea time)
AB to Bosun: 3-5 years of experience as AB
AB to Third Mate: 2-3 years (540 days sea time as AB) plus exam preparation
Third Mate to Second Mate: 1-2 years (360 days sea time as Third Mate)
Second Mate to Chief Mate: 1-2 years (360 days sea time as Second Mate)
Chief Mate to Master: 1-2 years (360 days sea time as Chief Mate)

This timeline assumes working consistently (at least 180 days per year) and can be accelerated by working on vessels with 12-hour watches, which earn 1.5 days of sea time credit for each day worked.

Tips for Career Advancement

Pursue Additional Endorsements: Continuously add valuable certifications like Tankerman, Advanced Firefighting, etc.
Maintain Detailed Sea Service Records: Keep accurate documentation of all your sea time for licensing purposes
Network: Build relationships with officers and crew members who can provide references and job opportunities
Continuous Learning: Stay updated on regulations, technologies, and best practices in the maritime industry
Seek Diverse Experience: Work on different vessel types to broaden your knowledge and skills
Demonstrate Reliability: Show up on time, work hard, and maintain a professional attitude
Prepare for Examinations Early: Start studying for officer exams well before you have the required sea time