An Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry-level position in the deck department of a merchant navy vessel. This role provides a foundational experience for individuals beginning their maritime careers. The OS performs a variety of tasks to assist in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the ship, offering an opportunity to gain essential skills and knowledge required for advancement to higher positions within the maritime industry.
Responsibilities and Duties
The responsibilities of an Ordinary Seaman are diverse, focusing on support and maintenance tasks. Key duties include:
- Deck Maintenance:
- Performing routine cleaning and maintenance of the ship’s deck and superstructure.
- Painting, chipping, and rust removal to ensure the vessel remains in good condition.
- Assisting with the maintenance and repair of deck equipment.
- Watchkeeping:
- Standing watch, usually under the supervision of a more experienced crew member.
- Keeping a lookout for other vessels, obstacles, and navigational hazards.
- Assisting with log entries and monitoring navigational instruments.
- Mooring and Anchoring:
- Handling mooring lines and securing the vessel when docking and undocking.
- Assisting with anchoring operations, including deploying and recovering anchors.
- Operating windlasses and capstans under supervision.
- Cargo Operations:
- Assisting with the loading and unloading of cargo.
- Securing cargo to prevent movement during transit.
- Following safety protocols during cargo handling operations.
- Safety and Emergency Procedures:
- Participating in safety drills and emergency response training.
- Assisting with the maintenance and operation of life-saving equipment, including lifeboats and life rafts.
- Learning and adhering to safety regulations and protocols.
- General Seamanship:
- Performing basic seamanship tasks such as rope work, splicing, and knot tying.
- Assisting with the rigging of pilot ladders, gangways, and cargo gear.
- Supporting the deck officers and more experienced crew members as needed.
Required Qualifications and Training
To become an Ordinary Seaman, candidates must complete basic education and training. The typical pathway includes:
- Education:
- Basic education, typically at the secondary school level.
- Professional Training:
- Completion of a maritime training programme approved by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB).
- Basic Safety Training (BST) courses, including Personal Survival Techniques (PST) and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF).
- Certification:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Proficiency as an Ordinary Seaman.
- Completing any additional mandatory courses required by maritime authorities.
Career Path and Progression
The career progression to becoming an Ordinary Seaman follows a structured path:
- Training:
- Completing the required maritime training and safety courses.
- Gaining initial sea experience through cadetship or entry-level positions.
- Ordinary Seaman (OS):
- Starting as an Ordinary Seaman, performing support and maintenance tasks on the vessel.
Further career progression may include:
- Able Seaman (AB):
- With additional sea time and experience, promotion to Able Seaman, taking on more advanced responsibilities.
- Bosun (Boatswain):
- Demonstrating leadership skills and gaining further experience to become a Bosun, leading the deck crew.
- Deck Officer:
- Pursuing additional qualifications and certifications to become a deck officer, starting as a Third Officer and progressing to higher ranks.
- Shore-Based Roles:
- Opportunities for shore-based roles such as Port Operations Assistant, Maritime Instructor, or positions within maritime regulatory bodies.
Conclusion
The role of an Ordinary Seaman is crucial for gaining the foundational skills and experience necessary for a maritime career. This entry-level position offers a variety of tasks that prepare individuals for more advanced roles within the deck department. For those with a passion for the sea and a desire to grow within the maritime industry, starting as an Ordinary Seaman provides a valuable and rewarding pathway to numerous career opportunities.
