CPM Able Seaman

Able Body Seaman

Able Seaman (AB) and Ordinary Seaman (OS) are domestic endorsements

for a Merchant

arine

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.

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