The Profession of Ordinary Seaman (OS) on Ship
An ordinary seaman is the person who is assigned deck jobs as a trainee on ships. Working and gaining experience as a trainee followed by a couple of years as ordinary seaman allows an individual to get a promotion as an able seaman. The profession of an ordinary seaman (mostly known as OS) allows a person to work on the deck of a ship majorly.
The deck jobs include cleaning the ship, taking care of the paint-work, taking duty of the helm of the ship and standing guard whenever the situation demands. The difference between an ordinary seaman and an able seaman is the difference in the pay that is given to them. The concept of first distinguishing and separating an ordinary seaman from an able seaman came in the 18th century.
An ordinary seaman has the most menial jobs out of the entire category of merchant marine jobs. But in spite of such routine and a lowly job description, it has to be noted that an ordinary seaman’s profession is something that is well appreciated and admired. Absence of an ordinary seaman would lead to absence of hierarchy and dearth of a helping hand for other crew members.
Mandatory health tests are the primary requirement in case one wants to take up seaman jobs like that of an ordinary seaman. This is because merchant marine jobs like deck jobs require vigilance, alertness and complete physical fitness. In addition to these requirements, an ordinary seaman is expected to be on-his-toes round the clock in case any emergency and life-threatening situations crop up. Also, if an ordinary seaman is not able to perform these duties properly it would hamper his chances of getting chosen or qualified as an able seaman.
The average pay package for merchant marine jobs like that of an ordinary seaman is around $1,700. This is neither very high nor very low, though it can be said that the paying rate varies on the basis of shipping company, country to which a shipping company belongs, and crew members. However, the pay rate for an ordinary seaman is quite less when compared to that of an able seaman which is why every person who is employed in seaman jobs as an ordinary seaman makes every possible attempt to become an able seaman.
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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
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Hi, thank you for this elucidation,sorry my english is lousy but i have a question , where somebody can be trained to become an ordinary seaman ? besides maritime academies which officers graduated from.
hello,thanks for the job description.i got trainings on pst,ff,pssr,isps,and mfa some months ago from the regional maritime univesity but find it very difficult getting a job as a new man.id like to know if it was like dat too for the old peoples?thanks.
thanks for the article can u email me the duties of an able seaman
@ kelechi: check the link for more details: https://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/who-is-an-able-seaman-on-ship/
sir, my question is this which is best link to got a job of os? because i have completed my trainee but till yet i have not got the job
Thanks so much sir for this update….but sir,ever since i completed my training as an Ordinary Seaman,till date,i can’t find a job,but still hoping on God for his miracies. I have all the papers as an OS. Please i need your help,i need a job for more expirence.
I HAVE A DOUBT WEATHER AN ABLE BODIED SEAMAN EVER BE PROMOTED TO DECK OFFICER LEVELS LIKE 2ND MATE 1ST MATE ETC?? IF SO WHAT WILL THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF SEATIME DOES IT REQUIRES?
Why is it difficult to get a job as an OS
I HAVE A DOUBT WHETHER AN ABLE BODIED SEAMAN EVER BE PROMOTED TO DECK OFFICER LEVELS LIKE 2ND MATE 1ST MATE ETC?? IF SO WHAT WILL BE THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF SEATIME IT REQUIRES?
For 2nd mate course and exam, minimum of 36 months sea time is required as AB
Sir I complete 9 month o s rank in supply vessel in india,so what I do ? & kha se
Wiper
Good afternoon sir
rank os
Model number 8433621848
I have a question I’m work in fishing vessel before now I want to apply again what requerment I have to be come a seaman tnx.
Gentleman i have a cdc book I’m ordinary seaman deckrating have a chance? I’ll do my best thank you
please , can you help me to find Simple and decent job
on cruises for old peoples
Hellow can i know how to apply im christan darrena.magtibay
Hello, I’d really like to work on ship as O/s I studied on Dar es Maritime Institute I have four certificates already Give me instructions on how to be an ordinary seaman on your shipping industry
Thanks
Hello guys I’m looking a job as ordinary seaman I have the following qualifications. Ordinary seaman ticket,Firefighting,Designated security duties,first aid,personal survival techniques,personal and social safety responsibilities,pre sea ,fast rescue boat other than other than survival craft,discharge book with 3years experience,valid medical seafarers certificate and valid south Africa passport.
It is my first time to go on board as a messman. Is it possible for me to be an OS while onboarding a ship?? Thanks for your answers.
@Gerald: If you are going as a Messman, you cannot opt for an OS position on the ship as both are different streams.
Good morning sir I have done one contract in os rank so I need a job to next contract in os rank so kaindly I request you plz help me
Good afternoon sir what is the duty of OS during the berthing of a ship