Seaman Job Profile and Description
An ordinary seaman is required to work on a ship for a specific amount of time, gaining what is referred to as “sea time.” Once a sufficient amount of sea time is acquired, the seaman can apply to take a series of courses, and then a series of examinations to become certified as an able seaman. These tests include standing watch skills, performing lookout duty and being a helmsman.
Duties and Responsibilities
- An ordinary seaman assists the able seaman
- Acts as the deck utility man and can be called upon to perform any one of many tasks
- Standing as lookout, scaling and chipping paint, painting, handling lines during the mooring of the ship, and assisting in the actual letting go and tying up of the vessel
- Assisting in the operation and handling of all deck gear including cradling, topping and housing of booms
- Aiding the carpenter in repair work
- Acting in the capacity of a helmsman when called upon
- Reading draft markings and acting as cargo watch during the loading and discharging of cargo operations.
- Calling the watch – This is the awakening of personnel, including officers, scheduled to go on watch, or to remind them in case they are awake
- Keeping the heads and passageways in tiptop condition
- Operating the deck machinery such as the winches or windlass
- Overhauling and installing any standing or running rigging on the ship
- Sewing, repairing and mending canvas
- A seaman is a competent and certified life boatman, and is able to handle a lifeboat under sail or oars
- Assuming the duties of the man in charge or coxswain of the lifeboat
- Maintaining the bridge in a shipshape and clean condition
Skills and Specifications
- Patient
- Ability to work with odd workers without losing focus
- Physically fit and strong
Education and qualification
- High school diploma
- Knowledge in sailing and sea life
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