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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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.
Locations
Jacksonville, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
St. Petersburg, FL
Bayou La Batre, AL
Charleston, SC
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Train from Anywhere with Sea School Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace
Train on your schedule with Sea School’s self-paced online courses. Designed for flexibility and convenience, our online programs allow you to complete key certifications and knowledge-based training from anywhere, at any time.
Call us today to get scheduled for our Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels bundle
Throughout this sixteen (16) day course, mariners will go through trainings for OUPV, Master 100 Ton upgrade, Master 200 Ton upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers and the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels upgrade.
Upcoming Zoom Trainings
Join our Captain’s License OUPV course from anywhere with our convenient Zoom sessions. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule and start your journey toward earning your license - without ever leaving home.
This Course Has Other Options for Learning
The Right Course for Every Seafarer
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Anyone
Mariners
Mariners
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.
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
Team Trainings
Sea School provides comprehensive team training solutions designed to meet your organization's unique requirements. Our certified instructors are available for on-site training at your location, or your team can utilize our dedicated training facilities. Please contact us for further details regarding our corporate training opportunities.
Online Trainings
Looking to obtain your next license at your own pace? Sea School offers a selection of immersive online courses designed to provide you with convenient access to our high-quality course material. Explore our online options and contact us with any questions you may have.
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).
Advance your Maritime Career
The Able Seafarer certification is an important step for many deckhands in the maritime industry. This license is applicable for deckhands looking to advance their career and seek promotions, deckhands looking to earn more pay, mariners looking to work on large offshore vessels, and more. The AB license equips mariners with a broad set of valuable skills that make them highly marketable for maritime companies.
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.
Course Comparison
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)
Medical & Drug Testing Requirements
Medical Examination (Form CG-719K):
- Required physical exam
- Available at most Sea School brick-and-mortar locations
Drug Test & Consortium Membership:
- Required for all applicants
- Sea School provides access to APCA, a USCG-approved drug consortium
- Sign up at apcadrugtesting.com or call (727) 522-2727
Safety & Security Certifications
TWIC Card (Security Clearance):
- Required for U.S. government security clearance.
Completed Application Form CG-719B
- Must be filled and submitted as part of the credentialing process
Sea Service Requirements
May need to verify vessel type, tonnage, and/or manning via MISLE.
ONLY USE FOR
- Applications processed between 22 December 2023 and 22 December 2026
# of Days Able Seafarer (AB) Unlimited
- 540 days deck service on Oceans or Great Lakes. 12.403
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. 12.403
Able Seafarer (AB) Special
- 180 days deck service on navigable waters of the U.S. 12.403
Able Seafarer (AB) OSV
- 180 days deck service on navigable waters of the U.S. 12.403
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. (If qualified to be issued AB Sail and AB course covers AB Special, issue both AB- Special and AB – Sail. Exams are the same for both) 12.403
Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing
- 180 days of deck service, not as a processor, on any navigable waters of the U.S. “Combi” is not deck service 12.403
Able Seafarer (AB) MODU
- 360 days of service on vessels 65 feet or over on any navigable waters of the U.S. (No change to this endorsement) MSM 3 16.C.10
Requirement for all ABs
- Qualify as Lifeboat Operator or Lifeboat Operator -Limited (See Lifeboat Operator checklist, formerly Lifeboatman)
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.
It’s Time to Start Your Maritime Career!
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.
