Coast Guard Rating · Logistics
SN Seaman
Overview
A seaman maintains ship compartments, decks, deck machinery, external structures, lines, rigging, and related equipment. They stand deck and in-port watches and operate small boats, booms, cranes, and winches.
Core Skills
- deck operations
- helmsman watchstanding
- lookout procedures
- line handling and mooring
- rigging operations
- small boat handling
- winch and crane operation
- shipboard maintenance
- maritime damage control
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- KNMI TurboWin
Civilian Career Paths
- Transportation Management
- Fleet Management
- Private Security
Training & Development
Getting Started
- STCW Basic Training
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), Ordinary Seaman Rating
- NCCCO Signalperson
Career Growth
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
- Able Seaman Qualification
- NCCCO Rigger Level I
- USCG Master or Mate License
What the Work Involves
- Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- 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.
Related Occupations
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Ship Engineers
- Riggers
- Motorboat Operators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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