Transportation & Logistics
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Also called: AB Seaman (Able Bodied Seaman), AB Watchman (Able Bodied Watchman), Able Seaman, Deck Hand
US median pay
$51,520
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,600
33,000 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
What they do day to day
- Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
- Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
- Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
- Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
- Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
- Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
- Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
- Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.8/5
- Operation and Control3.6/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Repairing3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
Knowledge
- Transportation3.9/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.1/5
- Geography3.0/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.