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Seaman Cargo Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Portland, ME · On-site

... range of cargo, Portland Tugboat has a distinguished record of providing safe and efficient ship ... Ordinary Seaman (OS) Reports to: The Ordinary Seaman is responsible to the Captain at all times ...

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Portland, ME · On-site

... range of cargo, Portland Tugboat has a distinguished record of providing safe and efficient ship ... Ordinary Seaman (OS) Reports to: The Ordinary Seaman is responsible to the Captain at all times ...

McAllister Towing

Ordinary Seaman

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$315/day

... cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general ... Ordinary Seaman (OS) - Meet the Deckhand at McAllister Reports to: The Ordinary Seaman is ...

State of Louisiana

ORDINARY SEAMAN

Baton Rouge, LA

The Ordinary Seaman is under general supervision of the ship's captain, performs various functions ... Assists Captain/First Mate in the operation of the vessel including: cargo handling and storage ...

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 ... Assists Captain/First Mate in the operation of the vessel including: cargo handling and storage ...

Tamus

Ablebodied Seaman

Galveston, TX

Job Title Ablebodied Seaman Agency Texas A&M University at Galveston Department Texas A&M Maritime ... ship's hull, decks, superstructure, cargo gear, smokestack, lifeboats, rescue boats and/or life ...

McAllister Towing

AB Seaman

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$404/day

... cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general ... Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) - Meet the Deckhands at McAllister Towing Reports to: The Able-Bodied ...

Yulista

Able Bodied Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

Able Seaman stand as a lookout for the navigational watch and complete engineering rounds while ... cargo in compliance with load restrictions and damage prevention * Maintaining the ship's surfaces ...

Yulista

Able Bodied Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

Able Seaman stand as a lookout for the navigational watch and complete engineering rounds while ... cargo in compliance with load restrictions and damage prevention * Maintaining the ship's surfaces ...

Yulista

Able Bodied Seaman

Panama City, FL · On-site

Able Seaman stand as a lookout for the navigational watch and complete engineering rounds while ... cargo in compliance with load restrictions and damage prevention * Maintaining the ship's surfaces ...

Amentum

Able Seaman with Security Clearance

Waimea, HI · On-site

Loads cargo as part of weight handling team under supervision of senior persons. * Performs ... Must be able to climb shipboard ladders and work in cramped engine spaces. * Must be able to lift ...

Chevron

Ordinary Seaman

San Ramon, CA

... the ship's officers. * Assists in the loading, unloading, stowing and inventory of stores ... cargo hoses. * Performs general housekeeping work in deck and storage areas. Safety: * Active and ...

Chevron

Ordinary Seaman

San Ramon, CA · On-site

... the ship's officers. * Assists in the loading, unloading, stowing and inventory of stores ... cargo hoses. * Performs general housekeeping work in deck and storage areas. Safety: * Active and ...

Pae

Able Seaman

Waimea, HI

Loads cargo as part of weight handling team under supervision of senior persons. * Performs ... Must be able to climb shipboard ladders and work in cramped engine spaces. * Must be able to lift ...

Amentum

Able Seaman

Waimea, HI · On-site

Loads cargo as part of weight handling team under supervision of senior persons. * Performs ... Must be able to climb shipboard ladders and work in cramped engine spaces. * Must be able to lift ...

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Seaman Cargo Ship information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do seaman cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for seaman cargo ship in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seaman on a cargo ship?

Seamen on cargo ships are maritime professionals responsible for operating and maintaining the vessel while it transports goods across oceans and seas. Their duties include handling cargo, assisting with navigation, maintaining the ship’s equipment, performing safety checks, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and security of the vessel. Seamen work under the supervision of officers and are essential for the smooth and safe operation of the ship during voyages. They must have specialized training and certifications to comply with international maritime regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a seaman on a cargo ship?

To thrive as a Seaman on a cargo ship, you need strong seamanship abilities, knowledge of maritime safety regulations, and typically a valid STCW certification or equivalent maritime credentials. Familiarity with navigation systems, cargo handling equipment, and ship maintenance tools is required. Physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing shipboard duties and collaborating with the crew. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safe, efficient vessel operations and compliance with international maritime standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by a seaman on a cargo ship, and how can they be managed?

Seamen on cargo ships often encounter challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to various weather conditions at sea, and working extended hours during port operations or emergencies. Effective time management, strong teamwork, and maintaining good communication with the crew are essential for handling these challenges. Additionally, seamen must stay vigilant about safety protocols and be prepared to adapt to changing schedules or tasks as required by the ship's operations.

What is the difference between Seaman Cargo Ship vs Seaman Tanker?

AspectSeaman Cargo ShipSeaman Tanker
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Basic TrainingSTCW Basic Safety, Basic Training
Work EnvironmentCarrying general cargo, containersTransporting liquids, chemicals
Industry UsageFreight shipping, logisticsOil, chemical, liquid cargo

Both Seaman Cargo Ship and Seaman Tanker roles require similar certifications and work in maritime freight industries. The main difference lies in the cargo type: cargo ships carry general goods, while tankers transport liquids. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right maritime role based on cargo specialization.

What cities are hiring for Seaman Cargo Ship jobs?

Cities with the most Seaman Cargo Ship job openings:

What states have the most Seaman Cargo Ship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seaman Cargo Ship jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Seaman Cargo Ship jobs?

For Seaman Cargo Ship jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Seaman Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Ordinary Seaman

Portland, ME • On-site

McAllister Towing
Water Transportation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about McAllister Towingexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Founded in 1985, Portland Tugboat is New England's premier tugboat company, providing the most powerful fleet of tugs in the region. Handling a wide range of cargo, Portland Tugboat has a distinguished record of providing safe and efficient ship docking and general harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin's Island on Hussey Sound.

Captain Brian J. Fournier is the President of Portland Tugboat and a state-licensed docking pilot. He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises with Sea River Maritime in San Francisco and Portland Pipeline in Maine. He has been in the maritime industry since 1980's. 

Portland Tugboat is seeking Ordinary Seaman or Able-Bodied Seaman to join their team onboard the Jackie F. McAllister.  Flexible schedules 14/14 or 21/21 exist with this position.   Specific duties and responsibilities are outlined below: 

Ordinary Seaman (OS)  

Reports to: 

The Ordinary Seaman is responsible to the Captain at all times, however, reports to the Officer in Charge of the Navigation when on duty. 

Supervises: 

None

Description of Duties: 

Lookout.

Handles lines/wires to and from other vessels or structures during operations at the direction of the Officer in Charge of the Navigation Watch.

Tends mooring lines.

Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station Bill.

Handles fuel, lube oil and water transfer hoses under the direction of the Person in Charge (PIC).

Performs cleaning and maintenance as assigned by the Captain.

Accountable for personal hygiene, for maintaining the safe, clean condition of own stateroom, and for participating with other crew to maintain public spaces in like condition.

Performs assigned firefighting, man overboard and abandon ship duties as assigned on the Station Bill.

Other duties as may be assigned by the Captain.

Project a positive company image and maintain professional, amicable relationships with customers, pilots, terminal personnel and the public at all times.

Other duties as may be assigned by the Captain.

Minimum Requirements: 

Current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with Ordinary Seaman (OS) rating.

STCW Certification (offshore towing only).

Valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).

High school diploma or equivalent.

Pass pre-employment drug test.

Pass pre-employment physical.

Prior deck experience, preferably aboard a commercial vessel; however, experience aboard non-commercial vessels may be accepted as equivalent on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements: 

The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Ordinary Seaman to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:

Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).

Adequate hearing.

Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.

Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.

Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.

Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.

Sufficient strength to:

Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.

Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.

Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and

Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.

Work Schedule:

  •  14/14 or 21/21

FLSA Status:

  • Exempt

*This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor's instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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