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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 ...

Calista Brice Holding Company

The Ordinary Seaman holds a position as entry-level deckhand with additional duties in the engine room and is a qualified member of the deck department that may work as a watch stander and/or day ...

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman

Panama City, FL

Overview Ordinary Seaman (TYAFB-2026-25048): 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 ...

Bowhead

Ordinary Seaman

Panama City, FL

Overview Ordinary Seaman (TYAFB-2026-25126: Bowhead Marine Support Services seeks multiple, part time, on-call, Ordinary Seaman for the operations of 120' Missile Retriever's and other small craft in ...

asrcfh

Ordinary Seaman

Orient, NY · On-site

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

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)

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 ...

AET

Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Galveston, TX

Ordinary Seaman mariner credential * TWIC * COVID-19 vaccination including booster Physical Requirements * Ability to continuously stand for long periods of time * Ability to bend, squat, climb ...

AET

Ordinary Seaman (OS)

Galveston, TX · On-site

Ordinary Seaman mariner credential * TWIC * COVID-19 vaccination including booster Physical Requirements * Ability to continuously stand for long periods of time * Ability to bend, squat, climb ...

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Ordinary Seaman information

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$11K

$73.5K

How much do ordinary seaman jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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, and why are they important?

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 are the duties of an Ordinary Seaman?

An Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry-level position in the deck department on a ship. Their main duties include cleaning and maintaining the vessel, assisting with cargo operations, handling mooring lines, and supporting the ship's deck officers and Able Seamen. They may also stand lookout and help with watchkeeping as directed by senior crew members. This position provides valuable experience for those looking to advance to higher maritime roles.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% 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

Other

Posted 27 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 currently 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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