Able Body Seaman
Able Seaman (AB) and Ordinary Seaman (OS) are domestic endorsements
for a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) referred to as ratings. Historically
these documents were referred to as a "z-card" or "MMD". Now they are
known as rating endorsements on an MMC. With a few exceptions an OS
or AB rating is required to work on all ocean going commercial vessels of
greater than 100 gross tons/
Ordinary Seaman (OS)
Ordinary Seaman is an entry level rating that requires no previous sea
service experience, exams or training. Advancement from a position as
Ordinary Seaman can be to any department on the ship. To qualify as an
Ordinary Seaman you must:
- Enroll in the TWIC program
- Complete an MMC application package
- Deliver the application package to a USCG Regional Exam Center
and Pay a $45 issuance fee.
Able Seaman (AB)
The Able Seaman rating requires sea service experience, exams and
training. To qualify for an AB the applicant must:
- Enroll in the TWIC program
- Complete an STCW 95 Basic Safety Training program that includes
training in basic firefighting, first aid and CPR, personal survival
techniques and personal safety and social responsibility.
- Complete a Proficiency in Survival Craft training course
- Complete an approved AB Training course or take the AB exams at
the USCG
- Deliver the completed application package to a USCG Regional Exam
Center and pay the evaluation and issuance fees.
Sea Service Experience required for Able Seaman Ratings
- AB Unlimited: 1080 days experience the deck of vessels operating
on ocean waters.
- AB Limited: 540 days experience on the deck of vessels greater
than 100 gross tons operating on ocean waters.
- AB Special: 360 days experience on the deck of vessels operating
on any waters.
- AB Fishing: 180 days experience on the deck of vessels operating
on any waters.
- AB OSV: 180 days experience on the deck of vessels operating on
any waters.
- AB Sail: 180 days experience on the deck of sailing vessels
Additional Training Requirements
To qualify for the domestic rating of Able Seaman the applicant must
complete the following training courses if not previously completed.
- STCW 95 Basic Safety Training; this consists of the following four
elements:
- Basic Firefighting
- Elementary First Aid
- Person Survival Techniques
- Person Safety and Social Responsibility
- Proficiency in Survival Craft; this includes the ratings for:
- Lifeboatman
- Lifeboatman limited
Columbia Pacific Maritime Courses
Able Seaman Course
Any applicant who has successfully completed your 48-hour Able
Seaman course and who presents your Certificate of Training at a
Regional Exam Center WITHIN ONE YEAR of the completion of training,
will satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the
“Deck & Navigation General / Deck Safety” and “Deck General & Safety /
Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement;
AND the practical (knot-tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR
12.05-9 for any Able Seaman endorsement.

