Able Seaman (Apprenticeship Guideline) | U.S. Department of Labor (US DOL) Registered Apprenticeship

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 53-5011.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTroubleshootingRepairingSpeaking

Knowledge

Public Safety and SecurityTransportationMechanical

Abilities

Far VisionControl PrecisionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityPerceptual SpeedDepth PerceptionArm-Hand SteadinessMultilimb CoordinationAuditory AttentionManual Dexterity

Tasks

Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voy
Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.

Technology

Facilities management softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software

Tools

Air chippersAnti-exposure coverallsBilge pumping systemsBlinker lightsBolt cuttersBridge telephonesCarbon dioxide CO2 firefighting systemsCargo boomsCargo derricksCargo hooksCentrifugal cargo pumpsCentrifugal ventilatorsChain cargo fallsChipping hammersClaw hammers

Work Values

SupportAchievementRelationshipsWorking ConditionsRecognitionIndependence

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium53-5011.00	Sailors and Marine Oilers	title_inference	$49,610 median$81,890 top	+2.18%	70

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Apprenticeship)

Mooring and towing lines — handle and secure with reduced oversight, adapting line configuration to varying berth conditions and vessel sizes at commercial terminals.
Barge tow unit assembly — connect and inspect barges into tow units for tugboat handling, identifying wear or damage independently before departure and on arrival.
Pump operation for liquid cargo transfer — operate transfer pumps and monitor flow rates, adjusting valves to maintain safe transfer conditions aboard tank vessels.
Engineering log data entry — record pressure, temperature, and operational data consistently and accurately using vessel log systems or digital interfaces during each watch.
Engine room machinery checks — examine running machinery to verify specified pressures and lubricant flows, flagging anomalies to engineering officers without prompting.
Government-issued certifications — maintain current required credentials, tracking renewal deadlines and completing recertification courses on schedule.
Navigational watch performance — conduct lookout watches across varying visibility and weather conditions, communicating findings clearly to the officer of the watch.
Basic engine maintenance tasks — carry out routine upkeep duties such as filter changes and belt inspections under engineering officer direction on large commercial ships.
Troubleshooting minor deck equipment faults — identify common causes of line-handling or winch malfunctions and perform basic corrective actions during port turnarounds.
Coordination with deck crew — communicate task progress and handoff responsibilities to fellow crew members during multi-person mooring and cargo operations.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.