The maritime industry offers a rewarding career path, and the first step aboard a large vessel for many aspiring mariners is becoming an Ordinary Seaman (OS), also known as an Ordinary Seafarer. The OS rating is the foundational, entry-level position that requires no prior sea experience, making it the perfect starting point for your maritime career and eventually earning an Able Seaman credential.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding the role and securing your Ordinary Seaman rating.
What is an Ordinary Seaman (OS)?
An Ordinary Seaman holds the lowest unlicensed rating on a ship. This is a vital position that provides essential support to the deck department. While the work can be demanding, it is the crucial training ground where you learn the ropes of the seafaring trade.
Ordinary Seaman Duties and Responsibilities often include:
- General Maintenance: Assisting with the upkeep of the ship’s structure and equipment.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: Keeping communal and working areas clean and orderly.
- Painting and Scaling: Performing chipping, scaling, and painting work to prevent corrosion.
- Cargo Handling: Assisting with the loading, unloading, and securing of cargo.
- Watch Duties: Standing lookout and performing general deckhand tasks as directed by superiors.
This role provides hands-on experience that is essential for progressing your career and earning the sea service needed for higher ratings. Again, although the work can be demanding, it can be a lot of fun and is a stepping stone in the industry!
The First Step: Obtaining Your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
Before you can work on most commercial vessels in the United States, your first goal must be to secure a valid U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) from the National Maritime Center (NMC) which is part of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). This credential serves as your professional maritime license, and the Ordinary Seaman rating is included in your MMC.
To obtain your entry-level MMC, you must meet the below criteria.
6 Essential Requirements for Your Entry-Level MMC:
- Citizenship Status: You must be a U.S. Citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence.
- TWIC Card: You must hold or have applied for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old (applicants under 18 require parental or guardian consent).
- Drug Testing: You must pass a drug test administered within the last six months (documented on Form CG-719P).
- Medical Certificate: You must hold or be approved for a USCG Medical Certificate (Form CG-719K or CG-719KE), demonstrating you are fit for duty.
- Application Fees: You must pay the required Mariner’s Fees via the designated government payment site (Pay.gov).
Once you have completed these pre-requisites, the final step is to complete and submit the USCG MMC application form, CG-719B.
Sea Service and Endorsements
How many Sea Days are needed apply for an Ordinary Seaman credential?
The good news is that there are no sea service requirements for the OS endorsement. This means you can secure your MMC and break into the industry without any prior maritime work experience.
What Endorsements are Included in an Entry Level Rating?
When you successfully apply for an entry-level MMC, you will receive several key endorsements, which include:
- Ordinary Seafarer (OS)
- Wiper (The entry-level position in the engine department)
- Steward’s Department (FH) (Food Handler/Messman duties)
These ratings allow you to work in various capacities on a vessel, opening up a wider range of job opportunities as you begin your career.
Setting Sail on Your Career
Getting your Ordinary Seaman rating is the critical first step in starting a career at sea. While securing your MMC is not a guarantee of employment, it is essential as it proves you are certified and eligible to work in the professional maritime industry. Once you have your MMC in hand, you are ready to start searching for your first opportunity. Once you have some experience under your belt, you’ll be able to advance your career by earning credentials like Able Seafarer (aka Able Seaman).
Helpful Links and Resources
National Maritime Center Ordinary Seafarer Checklist: NMC checklist for applying for an Ordinary Seaman credential.
National Maritime Center Guidance on How to Apply for a Credential: NMC guidance on applying for a MMC.
How to apply for a TWIC: Guidance on applying for a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
MMSeas: The team at MMSea’s helps navigate the NMC paperwork and process. They make dealing with the NMC easy.
How to get a OS paperwork, to get OS certified
When does ordinary Seamen job open to submit application?
That is a very common question, and the short answer is: Ordinary Seaman positions are actually open year-round! Unlike some industries that have strict application “seasons,” hiring for maritime jobs depends entirely on the individual company, the region, and their current contract needs. Because shipping, tugboat operations, and ferries run 24/7, companies are almost always looking for fresh talent.
Here is how it typically breaks down:
Commercial Shipping & Tugboats: Companies like Crowley, MSC (Military Sealift Command), or various tugboat lines hire on an as-needed basis all year long. When they win a new contract or someone steps off a boat, an opening pops up.
Seasonal Operations: If you are looking into eco-tourism, whale watching, or certain regional passenger ferries (like those in New Jersey/New York or Alaska), hiring usually peaks in the late winter and early spring (January through March) so crews are trained ahead of the busy summer season.
The best next step: Make sure you have your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and TWIC card fully processed and ready to go. Because companies hire as openings come up, having your paperwork completely ready means you can apply the second a job drops and potentially be on a boat within a week!
Are you looking to get into deep-sea shipping, coastal tugs, or local passenger ferries? Let us know and we can point you toward a few good companies to watch!
Hi my Name is Eddie Weigel I’m retired 58YO I live in New Jersey I’m thinking about starting another career I love the water boats how do I go about getting foot in the door
Hi Eddie!
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. It is never too late to start a second career, especially when you are following a passion for the water and boats! 58 is a great age to bring some solid life experience to the maritime world.
How you get your foot in the door really depends on your background and how much time you’ve already spent on the water. Here are the two best paths to consider:
If you already have significant time on the water: Look into getting your OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels), also known as the “Six-Pack” license. This allows you to captain uninspected vessels with up to 6 passengers (like charter fishing boats, dive boats, or private yachts). You’ll need 360 days of documented sea time to qualify.
If you have some sea time but want to work on larger commercial vessels: Aiming for an Able Seaman (AS) endorsement is a fantastic route. It opens doors to working on tugboats, ferries, and larger merchant ships.
If you are starting completely from scratch: You can start right now as an Ordinary Seaman (OS). For this, you’ll just need to apply for your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) through the U.S. Coast Guard. This lets you get hired immediately and earn your sea time while getting paid.
Since you’re in New Jersey, you’re in a great spot with plenty of maritime activity nearby. Do you happen to have any documented sea time from recreational boating, or are you starting fresh?
Welcome to the community, and best of luck on this next chapter!