Maritime Glossary
Able Seaman
Also known as: AB
A deck rating holding a certificate of competency to serve as a watchkeeping member of the deck crew.
Status: ActiveVerified: Source confidence: high (96%)
Full Definition
An Able Seaman (AB) is a deck rating who has completed at least 18 months of sea service and holds a certificate issued under STCW regulation II/5. Duties include standing watch, maintaining moorings, operating deck machinery, cargo handling, and performing maintenance. The AB is one step above Ordinary Seaman and may progress to Officer Cadet or Officer of the Watch upon gaining further qualifications.
Domain Tags
seafarersdeck