| Aspect | Entry Level Able Bodied Seaman | Ordinary Seaman |
|---|
| Certifications | STCW Basic Safety, Basic Training | STCW Basic Safety, Basic Training |
| Work Environment | Deck crew on ships, maritime industry | Deck crew on ships, maritime industry |
| Job Responsibilities | Assist with deck operations, maintenance, watchstanding | Assist with deck duties, cleaning, maintenance |
| Experience Level | Entry-level, may require some training | Entry-level, often used interchangeably with AB |
Both Entry Level Able Bodied Seaman and Ordinary Seaman are entry-level deck positions requiring similar certifications and work environments. The main difference is that 'Able Bodied Seaman' is often used as a formal title in the industry, while 'Ordinary Seaman' is a more traditional term. Employers and industry standards typically consider them equivalent roles for entry-level deckhands.