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This article is about the civilian occupation. For the military rank, see Able seaman (rank).
Able seaman
Able seamen generally serve as a ship's helmsmen, relying on visual references, compasses, and a rudder angle indicator to steer a steady course as directed by the mate or other officer on the bridge.
General
Other names
Able rate
Department
Deck department
Reports to
boatswain, chief mate
Licensed
No
Duties
To be able at a moment's notice
Requirements
Able seaman's certificate
Watchstanding
Watch (at sea)
Helmsman, Lookout (varies)
Watch (in port)
Varies (varies)
An able seaman (AB) is a seaman and member of the deck department of a merchant ship with more than two years' experience at sea and considered "well acquainted with his duty".[1] An AB may work as a watchstander, a day worker, or a combination of these roles. Once a sufficient amount of sea time is acquired, then the AB can apply to take a series of courses/examinations to become certified as an officer.[2]
^Naval Records Society: Five Naval Journals 1787–1817. Cited in Lavery 1989, p. 129
^"Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS): AB to Mate Courses – Baltimore". mitags-pmi.org.
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