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Ordinary Seaman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Louisiana

ORDINARY SEAMAN

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

The Ordinary Seaman is under general supervision of the ship's captain, performs various functions pertaining to operation and maintenance of the vessel: waterfront maintenance, field work and ...

State of Louisiana

ORDINARY SEAMAN

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

The Ordinary Seaman is under general supervision of the ship's captain, performs various functions pertaining to operation and maintenance of the vessel: waterfront maintenance, field work and ...

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman

Panama City, FL

Overview Ordinary Seaman (TYAFB-2026-25806): Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks an Ordinary Seaman for the operations of 120' Missile Retriever's and other small craft in direct support of the ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY

ASRC Federal Field Services, a Subsidiary of ASRC Federal Holding Company, is currently seeking an Ordinary Seaman at the Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center, located on Plum Island, NY. (1.5 ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY

$28.37/hr

Ordinary Seaman Full Time Date of Posting: March 26, 2026 Date of Closing: April 1, 2026 Key Role: • Provide support to operations and maintenance functions at research facility. • Assist in the ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY

ASRC Federal Field Services, a Subsidiary of ASRC Federal Holding Company, is currently seeking an Ordinary Seaman at the Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center, located on Plum Island, NY. (1.5 ...

ASRC Federal Holding

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

... Ordinary Seaman at the Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center, located on Plum Island, NY. (1.5 nautical miles off North Fork of Long Island & 6 nautical miles off coast of Old Saybrook, CT)

ASRC Federal Holding

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

Ordinary Seaman Full Time Date of Posting: March 26, 2026 Date of Closing: April 1, 2026 Key Role: • Provide support to operations and maintenance functions at research facility. • Assist in the ...

Valaris

Ordinary Seaman

Houston, TX

Job Summary The Ordinary Seaman carries out general marine cleaning, maintenance, navigational watchkeeping duties, and other manual labor as required. Principal Duties and Responsibilities

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

$28.37/hr

Ordinary Seaman Full Time Date of Posting: March 26, 2026 Date of Closing: April 1, 2026 Key Role: • Provide support to operations and maintenance functions at research facility. • Assist in the ...

Valaris

Ordinary Seaman

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary The Ordinary Seaman carries out general marine cleaning, maintenance, navigational watchkeeping duties, and other manual labor as required. Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman/ Diver

Panama City, FL

Overview Ordinary Seaman (TYAFB-2026-25610): Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks Ordinary Seaman at Tyndall Air Force Base, Tyndall, FL. Responsibilities The Ordinary Seaman is responsible for the ...

Metson Group

Ordinary Seaman

Ventura, CA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Performs a variety of duties concerned with the operation and upkeep of deck department areas and equipment. Scales, buffs, and paints deck and superstructure; sweeps and washes deck; splices wire ...

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All JobsOrdinary Seaman Jobs

Ordinary Seaman information

See salary details

$11K

$73.5K

How much do ordinary seaman jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for ordinary seaman in the United States is $72,143.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ordinary Seaman vs Able Seaman?

AspectOrdinary SeamanAble Seaman
CredentialsBasic maritime training, STCW certificationAdvanced training, additional certifications, more experience
Work EnvironmentDeck crew on ships, performing general dutiesMore specialized deck duties, supervising Ordinary Seamen
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with deck operations, maintenance, lookout dutiesExecuting complex deck tasks, assisting officers, training lower ranks

In summary, an Ordinary Seaman is an entry-level deck crew member with basic training, while an Able Seaman has more experience, additional certifications, and performs more advanced duties onboard ships. The transition from Ordinary Seaman to Able Seaman involves gaining experience and completing further certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by ordinary seamen during their first contract at sea?

Ordinary Seamen often encounter challenges such as adapting to life at sea, coping with long periods away from home, and adjusting to a structured, hierarchical work environment. The physical demands of the job, including heavy lifting and working in all weather conditions, can also be challenging. Additionally, learning to follow strict safety protocols and effectively communicating with a diverse crew are important skills that may take time to develop. However, these challenges are valuable learning experiences that help build the foundation for career advancement in the maritime industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ordinary seaman?

To thrive as an Ordinary Seaman, you need basic seamanship skills, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supported by completion of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety training. Familiarity with shipboard tools, safety equipment, and deck maintenance systems is essential. Reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills for working effectively with the crew and responding to instructions. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe vessel operations, efficient maintenance, and adherence to maritime regulations.

What does an ordinary seaman do?

An ordinary seaman (OS) performs duties as part of the deck crew of a merchant ship. The OS position is the lowest ranking position on the deck crew, and your responsibilities center on ship maintenance and repair, general labor, and standing lookout. You help paint the hull, clean and polish brightwork, and ensure that garbage is disposed of. When loading and unloading cargo, you handle ropes and secure items. Many of your duties are part of training to move up to being an able seaman, which comes with increased responsibilities and supervisory tasks.

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Ordinary Seaman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ordinary Seaman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,143 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Ordinary Seaman

Bowhead

Joint Base Pearl Habor Hickam, HI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Overview

ORDINARY SEAMAN (TWRPEARL-2026-25020):

Bowhead seeks a Part Time, On Call Ordinary Seaman to work on board government vessels out of Naval Station Pearl Harbor (Honolulu, Hawaii). 

Responsibilities

USCG Merchant Mariner's Document for Ordinary Seaman preferred. Experience in deck operations preferred.

Candidates should have experience in routine vessel operations plus the following:

  • Preventative / corrective maintenance
  • Deck repairs and modifications
  • Engineering repairs
  • Shipboard safety measures (firefighting, basic first-aid and emergency shipboard systems) Candidates must also have experience in deck department operations and underway watch standing.
Qualifications
  • USCG Merchant Mariner's Document for Ordinary Seaman and TWIC preferred.
  • Must have experience in deck operations.
  • Must be US Citizen to access Pearl Harbor Military Installation.
  • Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Confidential level.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Public trust level.  US Citizenship is a requirement for Public Trust clearance at this location.

Employment Type: OTHER

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