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Ordinary Seaman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

$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

$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

Long Beach, CA

$84K - $113K/yr

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

ssc

Chief Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Ordinary Seaman, * Wiper, * Steward's Department (F.H.), * Tankerman PIC - Dangerous Liquid (DL) Cargoes endorsement * Must hold a valid USCG/STCW medical certificate. * Must hold a valid TWIC card ...

Savage

Tankerman - Marine

Norfolk, VA · 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 ...

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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.

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:
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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.

Foss Dredge Deckhand/Engineer - Richmond, CA

Foss Maritime

Richmond, CA • On-site

$41.26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Deckhand/Engineer is responsible under the direction of the Captain and Leverman to assist in the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the dredge and associated machinery and equipment. The Deckhand/Engineer is responsible for monitoring and tending barge equipment during loads and offloads to include line-handling, operating machinery + conveyor belts, and engine room rounds. During down time the Deckhand/Engineer will assist maintaining equipment to include deck preservation, fabrication, and machinery repair. This is an entry level position with opportunities for advancement.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Organizational and communication skills for effective teamwork.
  • Ability to think through unexpected events effectively.
  • Ambition, creativity, resolve, common sense and good judgment for effective problem solving.
  • Administrative skills to maintain records and inventories.
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • Must join the Inland Boatmen's Union within 30 days of hire.
  • Valid driver's license from State of residence.
  • Valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) with Ordinary Seaman endorsement (OS)
  • Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Commercial maritime experience, to include line handling and seamanship.
  • Welding/fabrication experience, pipe-fitting.
  • Aptitude for operating machinery, previous experience with heavy machinery.
  • Basic Hydraulics
  • Basic Electrical
  • Basic Mechanics
  • Basic Rigging

Compensation:
Pay for this position is $41.2582 per hour.
How to Apply:
Ready to set sail with Foss? Submit your application via our careers page. If you need any assistance, please reach out to fossjobs@foss.com. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
Drug Free Workplace:
Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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