April 03, 2020
Deck Ratings
Ratings is a general term for skilled seafarers who carry out support work for officers in all departments. Seafarers without a certificate of competence are called ratings. They assist in tasks that can arise during a voyage from mooring and cleaning to general maintenance and repair work. These are physically challenging jobs and have to be done regardless of the weather or sea conditions. Ratings include the following positions:
Bosun:
A Bosun works their way up to the position having gained experience as an Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman. The Bosun [boatswain] is the highest unlicensed rating in the deck department and is generally instructed by the Chief Mate. As with all crew on board a vessel, the bosun will be required to complete a number of onboard safety-related courses as well as firefighting courses
Key tasks:
They are responsible for the ship’s hull and all its components, including its rigging, anchors, cables, sails, deck maintenance and small boat operations. A Bosun needs to be well-versed in seamanship practices and must. They are also tasked with supervising the work of the Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman in the course of their work to carry out maintenance on board. With significant responsibility on deck, the bosun is the highest paid of the deck ratings.
Entry requirements/training:
The certificate states the rating has been duly qualified in accordance with the provisions of STCW and in the format prescribed by STCW for those qualified to receive STCW certificates.
Able Seaman:
An Able Seaman (AB) works under the Bosun completing tasks as required.Key tasks:
The Able Seaman is tasked with working the mooring lines, operating deck gear, standing anchor details and working cargo. The AB also stands as a navigational watch as a lookout.
Entry requirements/training:
The AB usually comes on board initially as an Ordinary Seaman and, with some experience and proficiency, is promoted to the position of Able Seaman.
Ordinary Seaman:
The Ordinary Seaman (OS) is the lowest ranking personnel in the deck department and is tasked with helping the AB.Key tasks:
An ordinary seaman is assigned deck jobs as a trainee on ships. These responsibilities include painting, standing guard and standing duty at the helm of the ship as required during berthing and mooring.
Entry requirements/training:
The Ordinary Seaman is essentially a trainee position and does not require any initial qualifications apart from the mandatory safety courses required by international law to work onboard any seagoing vessel. Working and gaining experience as a trainee followed by a couple of years as an ordinary seaman allows an individual to get a promotion as an able seaman.
