Able Seafarer
An Able Seafarer (AB) is a credentialed mariner who serves as a key member of the deck crew on large commercial vessels and most tugboats in the U.S. ABs are responsible for maintaining the deck and its equipment, handling mooring lines, supporting cargo operations, and ensuring overall deck safety. An Able Seafarer rating often serves as a pathway to higher-level maritime positions.
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Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Sea School’s five (5) day Able Seafarer course teaches mariners various deck duties, including:
Navigation, Watchkeeping, Deck Maintenance, Safety, and Cargo Handling. Upon completion, mariners are able to submit for varying levels of Able Seafarer deck ratings dependent on sea time. The Able Seafarer (AB) rating is required to work on all ocean-going commercial vessels greater than 100 gross tons.
Why Thousands of Mariners Choose Sea School?
Each year, over 7,500 students choose Sea School for their maritime training. We offer 30+ USCG-approved courses across in-person, online, and satellite formats, with training available at 6 locations nationwide. Team training is also available on-site or via satellite to meet company needs.
Able Seafarer Requirements: Everything You Need to Get Certified
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Age
- Must be 18 years old
- 17-year-olds may take the course if their 18th birthday falls within one year of course completion (This is a common question from parents wishing to enroll alongside their children)
Real-World Expertise
Excellence starts with a strong foundation. We believe in mastering fundamental skills, building confidence, and ensuring every mariner has the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in their career.
Flexible Learning Options
True leadership is demonstrated through action. We foster a hands-on approach, where mariners learn by doing and gain real-world experience that prepares them for the challenges of the industry.
Career Advancement
In the maritime world, challenges are inevitable - but so are solutions. We encourage proactive thinking, problem-solving, and the courage to take initiative.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
We never settle for mediocrity. Whether in training, leadership, or problem-solving, we strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
A Strong Community & Industry Network
Success in the maritime industry requires a strong work ethic. We embrace a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, knowing that real growth comes from effort and persistence.
Confidence & Leadership Development
Ttrue professionals must be ready to adapt. We believe in staying agile, embracing change, and continuously expanding our skills to meet new challenges.
We’ve developed comprehensive, engaging, and practical curriculum to set you up for success on the water
While the curriculum represented on the Sea School website is a general layout of course information, it is not the exact order in which lessons are taught.
- Nautical Terms
- Nautical Compass
- Duties of a Lookout
- Duties of a Helmsman (Bridge Watch)
- Introduction to International & Inland Rules
- Aids to Navigation
- Nautical Terms
- Nautical Compass
- Duties of a Lookout
- Duties of a Helmsman (Bridge Watch)
- Introduction to International & Inland Rules
- Aids to Navigation
- Pollution Laws & Regulations
- Pollution Prevention & Control
- Procedures for Discharge, Containment and Cleanup of Sludge and Waster from Cargo & Fueling Operations
- Marlinspike Seamanship
- Deck Machinery & Ground Tackle & Anchoring Procedures
- Emergency Towing
- Pollution Laws & Regulations
- Pollution Prevention & Control
- Procedures for Discharge, Containment and Cleanup of Sludge and Waster from Cargo & Fueling Operations
- Marlinspike Seamanship
- Deck Machinery & Ground Tackle & Anchoring Procedures
- Emergency Towing
- Man Overboard (MOB)
- Fire Prevention & Firefighting Appliances
- Lifesaving Appliances
- Care of Survivors
- Man Overboard (MOB)
- Fire Prevention & Firefighting Appliances
- Lifesaving Appliances
- Care of Survivors
A Simple 3-Step Process to Get Certified and Start Your Maritime Career
Choose Your Course
Pick the course that fits your experience level and sea time and select the available format that works for you (in-person, Zoom, or online).
Enroll & Prepare
Register online or at a Sea School location. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements and start reviewing the provided study materials.
Get Certified
After finishing the course, you will need to submit your application to the Coast Guard to receive your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
What Our Clients Say
Office staff were very nice & helpful!
The course had good information and was easy to understand. Good instructor. Helps any way he can.
Steven J.
Very helpful office staff.
Classroom was clean and organized. Instructor was a good guy. Overall, the course was good and I learned a lot about ships.
Amar A.
John is amazing at what he does and I greatly appreciate him being my instructor!
Devin H.
Great, knowledgeable instructor, good stories.
Food was wonderful and unexpected!
Charles G.
Office staff was friendly and accommodating.
Classroom was clean, in a good state, comfortable. Instructor was experienced, approachable, friendly, and helpful.
Jonathan A.
Excellent instruction from experience.
Jeremy H.
Enjoyed having Capt. John as my instructor. Meals provided were good and enough!
David D.
Learned a lot - thanks guys!!!
Everyone from the Sea School personnel are very nice and knowledgeable. Classroom was very neat and clean.
Allen C.
People are great!
Awesome classroom. Instructor really inspired me. Food was great.
Justin M.
Great food!
Great stories and very knowledgeable instructor.
Ben C.
What We Provide:
What Students Need to Bring:
- Students should bring a pencil, highlighter, and notebook for note taking
Advance your Maritime Career
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the Able Seafarer course
An Able Seafarer (AB) is a deck rating issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. A mariner who holds an AB endorsement ranks below an Officer but above an Ordinary Seaman. To qualify for an Able Seafarer deck rating, a mariner must have at least 180 days of deck service on any waters. There are varying levels of Able Seafarer deck ratings. Make sure to check with the USCG to determine what is needed for each rating.
To qualify for the Able Seafarer (AB) deck rating, mariners must:
- Verify CG-719 Application is Completed
- Verify U.S. Citizenship OR alien admitted for permanent residence
- Be at least 18 years old
- Must hold a valid Medical Certificate
- Must be Drug Testing Compliant within 6 months
- Ensure all appropriate mariner fees have been paid
- At least 180 days of deck service (see below for further information)
- Qualify as a Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator - Limited
- Course Completion Certificate OR Coast Guard Examination
- Exam Codes & Credential testing comments entered into MMLD
- Exam Scores entered in MMLD
Able Seafarer (AB) Unlimited - 540 days deck service on Oceans or Great Lakes
Able Seafarer (AB) Limited - 360 days deck service on vessels of 100 GRT or more, not exclusive to rivers & smaller inland lakes of the U.S.
Able Seafarer (AB) Special - 180 days deck service on navigable waters of the U.S.
Able Seafarer (AB) OSV - 180 days deck service on navigable waters of the U.S.
Able Seafarer (AB) Sail - 180 days of deck service on sailing school vessels, oceanographic research vessels powered primarily by sail or equivalent sail vessels on any navigable waters of the U.S.
Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing - 180 days of service on vessels 65 feet or over on any navigable waters of the U.S.
An Able Seafarer performs tasks like standing watch (lookout or helm), maintaining the ship’s deck (painting, rust removal, greasing), handling mooring lines, assisting with cargo operations, and supporting navigation under the officer’s direction. ABs are the backbone of deck work, ensuring the ship runs smoothly and safely.
An Ordinary Seafarer is an entry-level position with basic duties under supervision, while an AB has more experience, skills, and responsibility and usually earns higher pay.
Demand for ABs is strong, especially in shipping (cargo, tankers), offshore oil/gas, and cruise lines.
The Sea School offers Able Seafarer courses at five (5) of our brick and mortar locations. You can register here for an Able Seafarer course that works best with your schedule.
The Able Seafarer Deck Rating is part of your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and is valid for 5 years.
The Able Seafarer Credential is a U.S. Coast Guard rating. It is not recognized internationally without the RFPNW (Rating Forming Part of Navigational Watch) and Able Seafarer-Deck endorsements.
No. Only the USCG can issue official documentation and certifications. To obtain an official Able Seafarer certification, mariners must:
- Complete the necessary USCG application form.
- Submit both the Sea School Course Completion Certificate and USCG application form to the USCG.
The USCG then processes the application and issues the official Able Seafarer certification.
Enrollment & Pricing
This is a five (5) day course. Please refer to the schedule to find a location and format that will suit your needs. Pricing varies by location.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
