Able Seaman (AB) and Ordinary Seaman (OS) ratings were once called z-cards,
but are now endorsements on the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). With a
few exceptions an OS or an AB rating is required to work on all ocean going
commercial vessels of greater than 100 gross tons.

Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry level rating that requires no sea service
experience, exams or training. Once called a z-card, today it is an endorsement
on your MMC. This position is considered a training position and advancement
from OS can be to any department on the ship.

Able Seaman (AB) is a deck rating requires sea service experience, exams
and training. To qualify as an AB you are required to satisfying the USCG exam
requirements and must complete a "Proficiency in Survival Craft" (Lifeboatman)
course at an approved school, if not previously completed.

The Able Seaman rating you receive will be dependent on your qualifying
experience. The following is a list of the different AB ratings, the qualifying sea
service experience and the vessels that they authorize authority over.

    AB Unlimited requires 1080 days of sea service experience on the deck
    of vessels operating on ocean waters. An AB Unlimited authorizes the
    authority to work in the deck department of any vessel.

    AB Limited requires 540 days of sea service experience on the deck of
    vessels greater than 100 gross tons operating on ocean waters. An AB
    Limited authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of any
    vessel less than 1600 GRT and AB limiteds can makeup 50% of the
    required able seaman on vessels greater than 1600 GRT.

    AB Special requires 360 days of sea service experience on the deck of
    vessels operating on oceans or federally navigable inland waters. An AB
    Special authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of any
    vessel less than 500 GRT and AB specials can makeup 50% of the
    required able seaman on vessels greater than 500 GRT.

    AB Fishing requires 180 days of sea service experience on the deck of
    vessels operating on oceans or federally navigable inland waters. An AB
    Fishing authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of fishing
    industry vessels only.

    AB OSV (Offshore Supply Vessel) requires 180 days of sea service
    experience on the deck of vessels operating on oceans or federally
    navigable inland waters. An AB OSV authorizes the authority to work in
    the deck department of oil industry vessels only.

    AB Sail requires 180 days of sea service experience on the deck of sailing
    vessels operating on ocean or federally navigable inland waters. An AB
    Sail authorizes the authority to work in the deck department of sailing
    vessels only.

USCG Approved Courses Offered

Able Seaman Course ($700)
    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.
Columbia Pacific Maritime Information
Columbia Pacific Maritime Home Page
Course approvals and schedule for USCG approved courses
Workbooks for USCG approved courses
Information about Columbia Pacific Maritime
How to contact Columbia Pacific Maritime
Information on USCG Merchant Marine Licenses
Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) or 6-pack license information
Master 100 ton license information, this includes Master 25 tons and Master 50 tons
Master or Mate 200 ton license information, this includes Master and Mate 150 tons
Master / Mate of fishing industry vessels license information
Master and Mate of towing vessel license information
Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman credential information
Radar observer courses for original issue and renewal
STCW 95 Visual Communications (Flashing Light) information
Celestial Navigation for adding an
Assistance towing and auxiliary sail endorsements for existing licenses
USCG Merchant Marine license information
Documenting the qualifying sea service experience is the first step to qualifying for a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
Getting a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) is the second step in getting a Merchant Mariner Credential
Completing the USCG application is the third step in getting a Merchant Mariner Credential
General information regarding resources, student feedback, emploment and license questions
Information on how to become an Oregon fishing guide or Charter Boat operator
USMariner.info news and information forums
Lodging and other resources in the Portland area
Columbia Pacific Maritime provides USCG approved courses for Merchant Mariner Credentials.
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Click here to view the Able Seaman Course Schedule
Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman Information