ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ordinary Seaman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bowhead

Deckhand

Fairhope, 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 ...

Foss Maritime

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

Valid US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) (Able Bodied Sea farer (Seaman) endorsement or Ordinary Seaman (OS), AB limited with a valid STCW). * Valid Transportation Worker ...

Bowhead

Deckhand

Fairhope, 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

Fairhope, 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 ...

Foss Maritime

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA

$22/hr

Valid US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) (Able Bodied Sea farer (Seaman) endorsement or Ordinary Seaman (OS), AB limited with a valid STCW). * Valid Transportation Worker ...

Foss Maritime Company

AB Cook Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22/hr

Valid US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC) (Able Bodied Sea farer (Seaman) endorsement or Ordinary Seaman (OS), AB limited with a valid STCW). * Valid Transportation Worker ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Valid Mate 200 Gross Ton License * Mate or Master of Towing * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman. Required Qualifications: * Valid Mate 200 Gross Ton License * Mate or Master of Towing * Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid ...

ssc

Engineer - Marine

Newark, NJ · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Engineering Officer - Assistant Engineer Limited. (3rd Assistant Engineer of Motor Propelled Vessels Unlimited Horsepower preferred), QMED-Any Rating, Lifeboatman, Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, Steward ...

State of Alaska

Boat Officer 2 (12-1921)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$32.90/hr

... Ordinary Seaman: this is an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does require a drug test and proof of citizenship Able Seaman grade: An able seaman ...

New

State of Alaska

Boat Officer 2 (12-1921)

Juneau, AK · On-site

$32.90/hr

Merchant Mariner's Documents Ordinary Seaman: this is an entry level Merchant Mariner document, requiring no experience and no examination. It does require a drug test and proof of citizenship Able ...

New

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 9, 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.

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 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.

Deckhand

Bowhead

Mobile, AL

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview

DECKHAND (MOB-2026-24390)

Bowhead seeks part-time, on-call Deckhands to work on a 41' utility vessel and a 32' high speed vessel during training operations for the US Coast Guard at Mobile Bay. Deckhands shall be knowledgeable in shipboard operations; rigging for helicopter operations; and deck seamanship. Individual should have stability under pressure and have the ability to withstand the stresses associated with the job's physical demands; potentially hazardous situations; and unpredictable weather.

LOCATION: Boat (Solomon) departs and returns from Dauphin Island(Mobile County). Due to the mission requirements for this task order; local job seekers highly desired.

Responsibilities
  • Handles mooring lines and rigging. Ensure that safety equipment is utilized and appropriate guidelines are followed for all tasks involving physical risk or hazardous materials.
  • Develop understanding of all phases of shipboard safety procedures and knowledge of location and use of all firefighting and safety equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers; fire stations; life preservers; work vest; and life floats).
  • Participate in meetings; training; drills and safety audits as required by Customer and; Company policy.
  • Must possess a strong desire to provide excellent customer service solutions and interact with coworkers and clients in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • One (1) year boating experience as a deckhand preferred.
  • Prefer applicants residing in Baldwin County; near Fairhope, Alabama.
  • 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 highly desired.

Physical Demands:

  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: There are currently no Security Clearance requirements for this position; however, candidates must be able to successfully pass a background check.  Due to the location of this work, US Citizenship is required.  Bowhead reserves the right to change this requirement if necessitated by business needs or contractual obligations. 

Employment Type: OTHER

Apply