Able Seaman

Ordinary Seaman (OS or an Able Seaman (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 qualifying experience, exams, or training. Advancement from OS can be to either the deck department as AB (Able Seaman) or to the engine room as QMED (Qualified Member of the Engine Department). Ordinary Seaman and QMED do not require Lifeboatman (Proficiency in Survival Craft).

Able Seaman is a deck rating that requires qualifying sea service experience. Each different AB rating will be based on qualifying sea service experience. All AB ratings require the mariner to complete an approved Lifeboatman (Proficiency in Survival Craft) Course.

AB Unlimited

• Requires 1080 days of qualifying sea service experience on the deck of vessels operating on the ocean waters or the Great Lakes.

AB Limited

• Requires 540 days of qualifying sea service experience on the deck of vessels greater than 100 gross tons operating on the federally navigable inland waters of the US or on Great Lakes.

AB Special

• Requires 360 days of qualifying sea service experience on vessels operating on the federally navigable inland waters of the US or on ocean waters, including the Great Lakes.

This course typically runs 5 consecutive days from 8am to 5pm

This course is taught at several different campuses including:

• Bayou La Batre, AL
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Jacksonville, FL
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Charleston, SC