Sailor O/S
Role summary:
An Ordinary Seaman (OS) is an entry-level deck rating who supports daily deck operations, safety procedures, watchstanding as assigned, and basic maintenance. The OS works under the supervision of the bosun and senior deck officers, learns watchkeeping, mooring and line handling, cargo support, and maintenance tasks, and contributes to safe, efficient shipboard operations.
Key responsibilities:
- Assist with basic watch duties and lookout support under supervision; follow commands from deck officers.
- Help with mooring, unmooring, anchoring, line handling, fendering, rigging, and general deck operations in port, at sea, and in varying conditions.
- Support embarkation/disembarkation procedures, gangway operations, and port activities as directed to ensure safe and orderly procedures.
- Maintain the vessel’s deck and equipment: cleaning, painting, greasing, rust control, inspection of deck machinery (winches, capstans, cranes, ramps).
- Participate in routine safety tasks: safety drills, inspection of lifesaving appliances, fire extinguishers, PPE, and emergency systems; report faults.
- Assist with deck maintenance such as ladders, gangways, walkways, and non-slip treatments; perform minor repairs as trained.
- Help with waste management and environmental procedures; contribute to cleanliness and order on deck.
- Support cargo stores and provisioning tasks as required; ensure stores handling adheres to safety procedures and documentation.
- Follow orders from deck officers, communicate clearly, and maintain basic logs and reports as required.
- Assist in emergency situations (fire, flood, man overboard) and participate in rescue and survival procedures as directed.
- Contribute to a safe working environment by adhering to safety rules and wearing proper PPE.
Required qualifications and experience:- Basic STCW-compliant safety training appropriate for junior seamen (examples: Basic Safety Training, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility) or as required by flag/state.
- Valid medical fitness certificate suitable for seafaring work.
- Legal right to work and hold a valid passport; appropriate visas if required.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are a plus.
- Prior sea service is not required or limited to 0-2 years depending on vessel type and flag state.
Recommended skills and competencies:- Physical stamina and strength; ability to work in all weather conditions and at sea.
- Good dexterity, balance, and manual skills; aptitude for rope handling and deck operations.
- Ability to work as part of a team, reliability, and the ability to follow orders and procedures.
- Basic problem-solving and mechanical aptitude; basic math and measurement skills.
- Safety-minded with a proactive attitude toward maintaining a safe deck and vessel.
- Customer service awareness and a professional demeanor when guest-facing duties are required.
Working conditions:- Deck duties on various vessel types; work in all weather, seas, and at irregular hours including ports of call.
- Rotating watch schedules or on-call shifts as assigned; task and itinerary dependent.
- Exposure to hazards typical of deck work: wet and slippery surfaces, heavy equipment, moving machinery.
- Living aboard with crew from diverse backgrounds; frequent travel between ports of call.
Reporting relationships:- Reports to the Bosun (boatswain) or Deck Officer; collaborates with other deck crew and engine room as required.