What does an Able Seaman do?
An Able Seaman is a skilled sailor who works as a crew member on a vessel or ship. They are responsible for carrying out a range of tasks to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the ship. This includes steering the vessel, maintaining deck equipment, handling mooring lines, and rigging. Able Seamen also partake in maintenance and repair work, and are expected to be familiar with all safety procedures on board. They may also be required to stand on watch and keep track of the ship’s position, weather conditions, and other factors that may affect the safety of the vessel.
Our Able Seaman job description includes the Able Seaman responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Able Seaman Example
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If you need an example job description for an Able Seaman download the one below, alternatively we have many other Transportation and Logistics job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.
What does an Able Seaman do?
An Able Seaman is a maritime rating in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy. This is a highly experienced and skilled deck-based position, requiring the individual to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as assisting in the navigation and sailing of the vessel, general maintenance and upkeep of the ship, and lookout duties. The Able Seaman must be proficient in the use of all navigational equipment, possess good communication and team working skills, and be physically fit. A qualification as an Able Seaman is awarded after a period of training and assessment.
Able Seaman Role Purpose
The purpose of an Able Seaman is to perform general maintenance, watch-keeping and deck duties on merchant vessels. This includes tasks such as maintenance and upkeep of the ship, deck operations and cargo handling, assisting with mooring and unmooring of the vessel, participating in fire and safety drills, and any other duties assigned by the captain or officers.
Able Seaman Role
An Able Seaman is a role within the maritime industry requiring a skilled crew member to assist in the operation, maintenance and safety of a vessel. Duties include mooring and unmooring, maintenance of rigging and deck gear, and lookout duties.
Able Seaman Duties
- Assist with the maintenance of deck equipment and safety systems
- Stand navigational watches and helmsman duties
- Perform lookout duties
- Assist with anchoring and mooring operations
- Assist with cargo operations
Able Seaman Requirements
- Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces
- Knowledge of knots and rope work
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to work long hours
- Good physical fitness
- Ability to read and understand navigation charts
Able Seaman Skills
- Organizational ability
- Good physical fitness
- Knowledge of seamanship
- Ability to understand orders
Able Seaman Personal Traits
- Good physical fitness
- Ability to work outdoors in all weathers
- Ability to take instructions and work as part of a team
How to write an Able Seaman Job Advert
Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.
A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.
Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.
How to write an Able Seaman Job Description
To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.
Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise an Able Seaman Job Specification
The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.
Job Description Tips - Help on formatting an Able Seaman Job Specification
When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:
Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.
Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.
Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.
The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.
Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth.
Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources.
Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.
Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.
Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.
How to Hire an Able Seaman
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