ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ordinary Seaman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Interlake Steamship Company

2nd Cook

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

This position requires an endorsement as Ordinary Seaman and Food Handler (F.H.) on a Merchant Mariner Credential. Direct Supervisor - Chief Steward Primary Responsibilities : Second Cook (and Porter ...

ssc

Tankerman - Marine

Seattle, WA

Ordinary Seaman, * Steward's Department (F.H.) * Tankerman PIC limited to Dangerous Liquid (DL) - Experience with Caustic Soda preferred * Must hold a valid TWIC card and a U.S. Passport Education ...

Curtin Maritime

Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Application submitted for MMC (Ordinary Seaman) * Pass CG physical & drug test * Qualified Rigger PREFERRED LICENSES & EXPERIENCE: * TLL endorsement * Passport * Excavator experience RESPONSIBILITIES ...

Curtin Maritime

Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$32.14 - $46.43/hr

Application submitted for MMC (Ordinary Seaman) * Pass CG physical & drug test * Qualified Rigger PREFERRED LICENSES & EXPERIENCE: * TLL endorsement * Passport * Excavator experience RESPONSIBILITIES ...

New

Curtin Maritime

Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$32.14 - $46.43/hr

Application submitted for MMC (Ordinary Seaman) * Pass CG physical & drug test * Qualified Rigger PREFERRED LICENSES & EXPERIENCE: * TLL endorsement * Passport * Excavator experience RESPONSIBILITIES ...

Curtin Maritime Corp

Crane Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$550 - $650/day

Application submitted for MMC (Ordinary Seaman) * Pass CG physical & drug test * Qualified Rigger Preferred Licenses & Experience: * TLL endorsement * Passport * Excavator experience Responsibilities ...

New

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR * Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Crane Operator

Houston, TX

$32.14 - $46.43/day

Application submitted for MMC (Ordinary Seaman) * Pass CG physical & drug test * Qualified Rigger PREFERRED LICENSES & EXPERIENCE: * TLL endorsement * Passport * Excavator experience RESPONSIBILITIES ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOrdinary Seaman Jobs

Ordinary Seaman information

See salary details

$11K

$73.5K

How much do ordinary seaman jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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.

How much do ordinary seamen get paid?

Ordinary seamen typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, vessel type, and union agreements. Pay may also include overtime, benefits, and allowances for living and working at sea.

How to get a job as an Ordinary Seaman?

To become an Ordinary Seaman, candidates typically need to complete basic safety training such as STCW certification, gain maritime experience, and pass physical and background checks. Applying through shipping companies, crew agencies, or maritime unions is common, and some positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.

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.

How much is the salary of OS seaman?

The salary of an Ordinary Seaman (OS) typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 per month, depending on the shipping company, experience, and the vessel's flag state. OS seamen often earn additional benefits such as overtime pay, allowances, and accommodations onboard ships. Certification and safety training are required to qualify for this position.

What is an Ordinary Seaman's job?

An Ordinary Seaman is a entry-level deck crew member responsible for maintaining the ship's cleanliness, assisting with cargo operations, and performing general duties under the supervision of officers. They often learn skills such as navigation support, safety procedures, and equipment handling, and typically need to hold basic safety certifications like STCW. The role involves working in a physically demanding environment with irregular hours at sea.

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.

More about Ordinary Seaman jobs
What cities are hiring for Ordinary Seaman jobs? Cities with the most Ordinary Seaman job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ordinary Seaman jobs? The most popular types of Ordinary Seaman jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Ordinary Seaman jobs? The top employers for Ordinary Seaman jobs are:
What states have the most Ordinary Seaman jobs? States with the most job openings for Ordinary Seaman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ordinary Seaman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ordinary Seaman jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Ordinary Seaman jobs? For Ordinary Seaman jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Ordinary Seaman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ordinary Seaman job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. 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/ Diver with Security Clearance

UICGS and Bowhead Family of Companies

Panama City, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

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 day-to-day duties of diving operations related to direct support on the missile recovery vessels and corridor clearance vessels for target launch and recoveries. All dives are performed according to applicable OSHA standards (CFR Title 29, part 1910, subpart T, Commercial Diving Operations). Divers will conduct underwater vessel maintenance, and recovery of targets, aircraft parts, and floating or submerged related equipment. Snorkel operations are performed when SCUBA is not required. Job functions include but are not limited to: * Must be a Certified SCUBA diver and proficient in the use, operation and maintenance procedures for all SCUBA divining equipment to include open circuit SCUBA regulators, buoyancy compensators, life preservers, high pressure air cylinders, diving air compressors full face mask systems. * Conducts and documents quality assurance checks of maintenance and repair processes performed on diving equipment assigned to each vessel. Bowhead seeks to network with qualified individuals relative to a potential opportunity, which is contingent upon award and not currently funded. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting to apply for consideration. Incumbent employees are encouraged to respond. No solicitations or third party applications will be accepted. Qualifications * Requires a minimum of three (3) years' of experience in SCUBA diving operations and must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of OSHA standards (CFR Title 29, part 1910, subpart T, Commercial Diving Operations). * The ideal candidate will hold the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) Second class diver, NEC M2DV with a minimum of three (3) years' experience as an operational Diver, this experience is highly desirable. * Bachelor's Degree in Management, Marine Transportation or Engineering is preferred but an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu. * Must be able to work within the United States Air Force regulatory guidelines and instructions necessary to support joint services operations. * Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint * Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts * Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team Physical Demands: The work environment varies and includes, but is not limited to: dock, port, bay, waterways, office space, equipment rooms, warehouse space, construction zones, and outdoor environments. Work hours may fluctuate outside of normal duty hours. While performing the duties of this job, the individual is: * Regularly required to sit, use hands to handle, move, manipulate or feel objects, talk and/or hear. * Frequently required to stand and/or walk and routinely required to reach with hands and arms. * Routinely required to stand, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or squat. * Frequently lifts and /or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 75 pounds. * Occasionally lifts and/or moves 75-100 pounds with the assistance of deckhands and/or heavy lifting equipment. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location

Apply