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Ordinary Seaman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

New Orleans, LA · On-site

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

$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

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 ...

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, 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 ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Bowhead

Deckhand

Mobile, AL

Merchant Marine credential as an ordinary seaman; highly desired. * Experience with helicopter/vessel close proximity operations desired. Military experience preferred. Coast Guard or Navy experience ...

Bowhead

Deckhand

Mobile, AL

Merchant Marine credential as an ordinary seaman; highly desired. * Experience with helicopter/vessel close proximity operations desired. Military experience preferred. Coast Guard or Navy experience ...

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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 7, 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 (OS)

AET

Galveston, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

AET is a global leader in petroleum shipping delivering top quality, market leading services to the world’s oil companies, trading houses and refiners. AET is headquartered in Singapore, with commercial centers in London, Houston and Rio de Janeiro, together with a specialist offshore lightering unit in Galveston, Texas. AET is a wholly-owned subsidiary of leading international maritime conglomerate, MISC Berhad. We employ more than 3,000 highly skilled and dedicated people over 28 nationalities across the world to operate a young and technically advanced fleet. As we continue to grow rapidly, we enjoy a global reputation for delivering the highest standards of service, safety and responsibility in the maritime industry.

The OS reports directly to the vessel Chief Mate and performs general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department.

Key Accountabilities

  • maintain housekeeping throughout the deck
  • carry out the orders of the Chief Mate or Captain in a timely and efficient manner, assist the Chief Mate as appropriate 
  • deck maintenance inclusive of surface preparation/painting as directed, lubrication of deck machinery and maintenance of deck machinery, etc.
  • assist the Chief Mate in deployment and retrieval of STS

Qualifications

  • 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 stairs, and lift frequently
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds or more frequently
  • Ability to work in an offshore environment and outside in temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit


AET is an equal opportunity employer.

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