A Day in the Life of an Ordinary Seaman: Skills and Challenges

Posted on Jan 30, 2025 at 11:01 PM

An ordinary seaman is a jack of all trades, this role is the most versatile in the marine world. A deckhand, a steward, an electrician or an assistant to any engineer, seamanship involves performing everything the nature of the ocean might demand. In the deep water, it's all hands on deck. 

Let's take a look into the job of an ordinary seaman and what it takes to be one

What is an ordinary seaman? 

The Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry-level, unlicensed crew member in the Deck Department. An ordinary seaman performs work pertaining to various tasks including general upkeep, repair, sanitation, and maintenance of equipment, materials, and areas overseen by the Deck Department. These maintenance tasks can include, but are not limited to, chipping, scaling, scraping, priming, painting, sounding, or cleaning of the ship’s hull, decks, superstructure, cargo equipment, smokestack, rescue boats, lifeboats or life rafts, as well as emergency and damage control gear, and performing work at heights.

In the US military, Ordinary Seamen are civilian mariners (CIVMARs) hired by the Navy to work for the Military Sealift Command forces (MSC). This rank serves on naval auxiliary vessels and hybrid-manned warships across the globe, both in times of peace and during conflict. Moreover, individuals who ordinary seaman positions have a chance to become able seamen by obtaining a certification and afterwards have the opportunity to uphold more responsibility on boat.

What is Required to Become an Ordinary Seaman?

Becoming an ordinary seaman might sound straightforward, but it involves a fair bit of preparation to handle the various duties. So, what does it take to embark on this career path? 

To become an Ordinary Seaman (OS) in the United States, you must meet multiple key requirements:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old. If you're under 18, you'll need parental or guardian consent.
• Physical requirements: you must be able-bodied to perform an ordinary seaman's roles.
• Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent residence permit issued by the United States of America and speak english.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): You must hold or have applied for a TWIC.
• Medical Examination: You must pass a medical examination and hold or be approved for a Medical Certificate (CG-719K or CG-719KE).
• Drug Test: You must pass a drug test within the last six months (CG-719P).
• Application Fee: You must pay the mariner's fees through pay.gov.

Once these steps are completed, you can submit the CG-719B form to apply for your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). 

While formal maritime professional training isn't mandatory for entry-level endorsements like Ordinary Seaman, hiring employers often prefer candidates who have completed basic maritime training. So if you're on the lookout for an ordinary seaman's job, the first step would be to enroll in a comprehensive training to get a special guide into the job.



What Kind of Skills Does an Ordinary Seaman Have?

An ordinary seaman (OS) isn't just any unlicensed entry-level crew member. The responsibilities of this job position are plenty, they're responsible for vessel maintenance, things like painting and repair of vessels. Depending on their experience, an ordinary seaman performs a variety of jobs. So, what skills make them successful?

First, physical stamina and strength are non-negotiable. Being at sea means long hours of physical labor, and they need to be prepared for it. They will handle the ship's ropes, operate deck machinery, or assist with cargo loading. Additionally, seamen must have excellent communication skills. Why? Well, a ship runs like a finely-tuned machine, and clear communication ensures that every department works together seamlessly.

Another vital skill is problem-solving. Life at sea or in Offshore wind farms is unpredictable—storms, technical malfunctions, and other emergencies can arise. An ordinary seaman needs to think quickly and take action to ensure safety and minimize disruptions. You’ll also find that adaptability is key. The job can change by the hour, and tasks may shift unexpectedly. In this profession, being flexible is as important as being strong.

And let’s not forget attention to detail. When you're navigating or keeping watch, the slightest mistake could lead to costly errors. An ordinary seaman needs to be diligent and focused, whether they're working on deck, maintaining equipment, or assisting in navigation.

What Challenges Does an Ordinary Seaman Face?

Working as an ordinary seaman may seem like an exciting adventure on the high seas, but it’s not without its challenges. Life aboard a ship presents unique obstacles that test the physical and mental resilience of seamen. So, what are these challenges?

First and foremost, long periods away from home can take a toll. Ordinary seamen often spend months at a time on voyages, which can lead to feelings of isolation or homesickness. The confined quarters of a ship also mean limited personal space, which can make it difficult to disconnect from the job or enjoy privacy.

Then there’s the physical challenge. As previously mentioned, being an ordinary seaman is physically demanding. From working in all kinds of weather—rain, storms, extreme heat or cold—to handling heavy equipment, your body is constantly being tested. These physical demands, combined with long shifts, can lead to fatigue.

Lastly, there's the emotional resilience required to handle unpredictable situations that happen on a cruise far from the coast. A ship can be a tough environment, and when emergencies strike—like equipment failure or severe weather— these situations require a calm and focused person to stay on guard and pay attention to details. It’s a mentally demanding job, it's essential to sharpen your physical endurance and emotional strength.

Despite these challenges, many ordinary seamen find a sense of fulfillment in their work. Whether it's the camaraderie built with fellow crew members or the satisfaction of overcoming tough conditions, life at sea is anything but ordinary. So, if you're looking for a career that offers adventure, skill development, and personal growth, becoming an ordinary seaman might be just the ticket to your next big journey.