Navy Rating · Logistics
SN Seaman
Overview
A Seaman maintains ship compartments, decks, machinery, equipment, external structures, lines, and rigging. This sailor stands underway and in port watches and operates small boats, booms, cranes, and winches.
Core Skills
- shipboard deck maintenance
- line handling and rigging
- helm and lookout watchstanding
- small boat operations
- crane and winch operation
- anchor handling
- pier and fire security
- deck machinery maintenance
- maritime watchstanding
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
- Physical Security
- Private Security
- Mechanical Engineering
Training & Development
Getting Started
- STCW Basic Training
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- NCCCO Rigger Level I
Career Growth
- Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- NCCCO Crane Operator Certification
- STCW Able Seafarer Deck
- NCCCO Rigger Level II
Also Common
- NCCCO Certified Crane Operator (CCO)
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.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into SN. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
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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