Obtaining Your Able Seamen (AS) Certificate

An able seaman (AB) is an entry-level rank in the Merchant Marines. This is usually the minimum requirement to work on most vessels, save the apprenticeship position of an ordinary seaman (OS).

The application process if fairly straightforward, but somewhat time consuming; there are numerous documents to compile and minimum requirements you’ll have to meet in order to obtain your seaman certificate/endorsement.

It’s essential to know exactly what documents are required so that you can submit a fully completed application packet. This way, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays with your credential.

A Brief Overview of the Application Process

The U.S. Coast Guard is the overseer of Merchant Marine Credentials (MMC). The process for applying for seamen MMC involves seven steps:

• Step One: Ensure you meet all the requirements of the credential. You can check the National Maritime Center’s (NMC) website for detailed information regarding credential requirements.

• Step Two: Obtain your Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), if applicable. This is a common identification credential issued by the Transportation Security Administration. Maritime workers who need unescorted access to secure ports need a TWIC. To learn more about the credential, visit the NMC website.

• Step Three: Review the Merchant Mariner Credential Application Acceptance Checklist and ensure you have all the required items.

• Step Four: Pay your application fee at pay.gov.

• Step Five: Fill out the Application for License as an Officer, Staff Officer, or Operator and for Merchant Mariner's Document (CG-719B).

• Step Six: Mail, email, or submit your application and all the required documents (referred to as your application packet) to the nearest Regional Exam Centers (REC). If applying in person, you’ll need to schedule an appointment.

• Step Seven: Await your certificate in the mail.

Basic Requirements for Seaman Certification

The basic requirements for an AB are detailed in 46 CFR §12.401. To meet the requirements, you must:

• be 18 years or older;
• pass a medical exam;
• speak English;
• pass a drug test;
• pass an exam demonstrating your knowledge as a seaman; and
• meet the sea service or training requirements laid out in §12.403.

Sea Service Requirements for Seamen Credentials

The sea service requirements vary according to the category of endorsement for which you are applying.

As per §12.403, the six categories of AB and their requirements are as follows:

1. Able seaman (unlimited) – three years service on deck on vessels in the oceans or Great Lakes.

1. Able seaman (limited) – 18 months service on deck on vessels of 100 GRT or more operating in a service not confined to rivers and small inland lakes.

1. Able seaman (special) – 12 months service on deck on vessels in the oceans or navigable waters of the U.S., including Great Lakes.

1. Able seaman (offshore supply vessels) – six months service on deck on vessels in the oceans or navigable waters of the U.S., including Great Lakes.

1. Able seaman (sail) – six months service on deck on sailing school, oceanographic research (sail), or equivalent sailing vessels operating in the oceans or navigable waters of the U.S., including Great Lakes.

1. Able seaman (fishing industry) – six months service on deck, not as a processor, on vessels operating in the oceans or navigable waters of the U.S., including Great Lakes.

Additional Topics of Interest to Seamen

To read other informative seamen-related articles, visit the Marine Education Textbooks blog. We also offer helpful study materials for mariners preparing for Coast Guard license exams.