Able Seaman Course
Able Seaman with lifeboatman limited • NMC Approved
Don’t let your maritime career stall while waiting for in-person classes! This is the most efficient, NMC-approved path to securing your Able Seaman with Lifeboatman Limited credential. Two courses for the price of one. By choosing our course, you gain the freedom of an on-demand, self-paced education paired with the unbeatable convenience of online, video-proctored exams for your written tests.
An Able Seaman is a credentialed seaman which falls below officer but above ordinary seaman. Credentialed Able Seaman may fill roles such as a watch-stander, leader in the deck department, or numerous other responsibilities.
How to Purchase
Enroll in the Pathfinder Maritime Training Course by purchasing the course here. Simply click Add to Cart, complete the checkout process, and you’ll be automatically enrolled. You’ll then receive an email with your login information and can quickly begin your lessons.
$750
Pay Later
Need a hand with the investment? We offer a flexible ‘Pay Later’ option at checkout through Shopify Payments.
Split the $685 cost into 4 easy payments of just $171.25! Learn now, pay over time.
Details
Self-paced, online
35-50 hours
NMC (Coast Guard) Approved
Licensing Requirements
Able Seaman (AB) requires qualifying sea service and training. Below is a description of AB ratings and required sea service.
- AB Unlimited – 540 days of qualifying sea service on the deck of vessels operating on Great Lakes or ocean waters.
- AB Limited – 360 days deck service on vessels 100 GRT or over, not exclusive to rivers & smaller inland lakes of the U.S.
- AB Special – 180 days of qualifying sea service on vessels operating on any navigable waters of the US.
- AB Fishing – 180 days of deck service on any navigable waters of the U.S. “Combi” is not deck service (Valid only on fish processing vessels).
- AB OSV (Offshore Supply Vessel) – 180 days of qualifying sea service on the deck of vessels operating on any navigable waters.
- AB Sail – 180 days of deck service on sailing school, oceanographic research vessels powered primarily by sail, or equivalent sail vessels on any navigable waters of the U.S (Valid only on sailing school vessels.)
- AB MODU – 360 days of service on vessels 65 feet or over on any navigable waters of the U.S.
This course covers AB rating for vessels without lifeboats. If you work on a STCW covered vessel you will also need BT and Proficiency in Survival Craft.
More information regarding license requirements & application can be found at the National Maritime Center’s webpage.
Course Details
- Self-paced online course typically takes 35 – 50 hours depending on experience level
- Three final exams which can be taken at one of our nationwide approved testing sites (and online!)
- 24/7 course availability. Mobile responsive content allows you to complete course work anytime, anywhere
- Fees include all course materials and one sitting of your proctored exams
FAQ
How does the online exam work?
Pathfinder offers automated, on-demand assessment exams. The process for online, video proctored sessions is relatively simple and consists of four steps. You will need a computer, a clean work surface and a good internet connection. Learn more.
Do you offer application help?
Pathfinder and MM-SEAS have partnered to provide the ultimate licensing experience. All Pathfinder Maritime courses come with a two-year MM-SEAS Pro subscription! When you enroll in a Pathfinder course you will have the opportunity to opt into this program at no additional cost.
Your MM-SEAS PRO membership will include unlimited application support and they will help you complete a perfect application. MM-SEAS software guides you through every step of the way to create a perfect USCG license application and you will have unlimited access to a dedicated licensing expert if you need any help from a live person. Learn more about the MM-SEAS experience here.
Do you have a military discount?
Can I complete the course at my own pace?
Our online educational course is completely self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed. You can take as much time as you need to review the lessons, watch the videos, and complete the quizzes—progress whenever it fits your schedule.
Does the course expire?
Students have up to one year to complete their course materials at their own pace. After the one-year access period ends, a re-enrollment fee will apply to regain access and continue the course.
How do I enroll?
Enroll in the Pathfinder Maritime Training Course by purchasing the course here. Simply click the Add to Cart, complete the checkout process, and you’ll be automatically enrolled. You’ll then receive an email with your login information and can quickly begin your lessons.
Are you NMC approved?
Yes! You can see our approval by going to the NMC website > Training & Assessment > Approved Courses > Page 597. Or use the search function on the course approval PDF.
How many exams are there?
There are three exams and two practicals, 1 demonstration of competency in Knot Tying and a Lifeboatman practical. If you fail one exam, you can retake that exam up to two more times. If you fail it a third time, you must repeat the class. The exams can be taken at one of our nationwide approved testing sites or online! Below are the descriptions of the exams and practical competency:
- Rules of the Road/Navigation: 50 questions: 70% minimum passing score.
- Deck General and Safety: 50 questions. 70% minimum passing score.
- Lifeboatman: 50 questions. 70% minimum passing score.
More information regarding license requirements & application can be found at the National Maritime Center’s webpage.
What is your refund policy?
All courses can be refunded within four weeks of purchase or the completion of one course module, whichever comes first, less applicable fees. Contact Pathfinder to learn more
Knot Tying and Lifeboatman
Practicals
Knot Tying
Demonstration of competency in Knot Tying and Splicing—10 knots in 15 minutes. Required Knots include Bowline, Square knot, Clove Hitch, Sheet Bend plus six additional knots selected by the evaluator. Schedule this practical with the Pathfinder team over a 30 minute Zoom call.
Lifeboatman Competency
This is a practical assessment, required on your NMC application. The Lifeboatman practical is the responsibility of the student. Any Master can sign-off on the practical in-person.
What do you mean by “Master”? Mariners who have shipboard experience on vessels of at least 200 GRT/500 GT with assigned duties as the person in charge of a lifeboat (for PSC) or a survival craft (for PSC-LTD). See page 12.
Pathfinder Maritime Training + MM-SEAS
Application Help
Complimentary MM-SEAS Expert Access ($99/year value)
As a Pathfinder Maritime Training student, you receive two free years of MM-SEAS Expert Access. This gives you priority support and unlimited 1-on-1 calls with our trusted USCG Licensing Experts. It’s the best way to get the definitive answers you need, right when you need them.
Pathfinder Maritime Training
Able Seaman with Lifeboatman
Are you ready to upgrade from OS? Our NMC-approved Able Seaman course is built around your life, offering self-paced, 24/7 access so you can learn whenever and wherever it fits your schedule, complete with the flexibility of convenient online exams. Choose Pathfinder Maritime Training today and secure the credential that lets you chart your own professional course.
Ready to set sail
$750
- Study guides
- Practice quizzes for the final
- Fully online course (even the final exam!)
- Small, family owned business
- Direct customer service: text, email or call with the owners