How Do You Become a Seaman In The US?

Becoming An Able Seaman In The US: What You Need to Know

Sailing is one of the oldest and most exciting maritime professions, and becoming an able seaman in the United States is a rewarding career choice for many aspiring seafarers. To help you get started, here’s what you need to know about becoming an able seaman in the US: what requirements you need to meet, how to apply for a USCG able seaman certificate, and what skills and qualifications are needed by an able seaman in this country.

Requirements for Becoming a Seaman in the US

To get certified as an able seaman by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), you must meet these general requirements: Be age 18 years or older, provide proof of U.S. citizenship, pass a drug test, provide a valid medical certificate, and complete the CG-719B application exam. Once all these steps have been completed, you can begin to apply for your USCG able seaman certificate from their National Maritime Center (NMC).

Applying for a USCG Able Seaman Certificate

The first step when applying for your USCG able seaman certificate is to create an account with NMC’s web-based system, known as “I-Rank.” This will allow you to track your application as it moves through processing stages and see if any further information is required from you at any given time.

From there, you’ll need to fill out Form CG-719B, which confirms that you meet all eligibility requirements, including age, citizenship status, and drug test results, as well as providing details about any prior maritime experience or training that could be helpful when applying for your certification. Once submitted, NMC will review your application and either approve or deny it based on their assessment of your ability to fulfill all necessary requirements of being an able seaman in the US.

Preparing for the Drug Test

To be eligible to receive your USCG able seaman certificate, you must pass a drug test administered by NMC before submitting your application form CG-719B – no exceptions are allowed! When preparing for this drug test it’s important that you follow all procedures closely – don’t forget: if you fail this test then your application will be denied regardless of how qualified you may be otherwise!

Obtaining a valid Medical Certificate

In addition to passing the drug test administered by NMC prior submitting your CG-719B form, you must also obtain a valid medical certificate from either your doctor or another approved medical practitioner before applying for your certification as an able seaman in the US.

This medical certificate should include information on any existing physical conditions that could affect your ability to safely perform duties onboard vessels as part of being an able seaman – such conditions may include color blindness or hearing loss among others – so make sure that all necessary details have been accurately included on this document before submitting it with your application materials!

Taking the CG-719B Application Exam

The CG-719B exam is designed to assess whether applicants have acquired enough knowledge about maritime regulations and practices so they can fulfill their duties onboard vessels safely and responsibly while working as an able seaman in US waters – failure on this exam will mean that even if all other requirements have been met (age/citizenship/drug test/medical certificate) then still no certification will be issued!

This exam covers topics such as navigation rules & regulations, safety practices & procedures, firefighting & damage control, cargo handling & storage operations, emergency & survival techniques, operational procedures for merchant vessels, communications systems onboard ships, etc., so make sure that you adequately prepare beforehand if possible!

Meeting the Age and Citizenship Requirements

In order to be certified as an able seaman in the US, applicants must meet two core eligibility criteria: they must be 18 years old or older at time of application submission, plus they must provide proof of U.S citizenship – usually through passports or birth certificates – depending on where they were born (some countries may require additional documentation). Without meeting both these criteria then no USCG certification will be issued – regardless of whether other requirements have been met!

The Role of a Seaman in the US

An able seaman plays an essential role aboard vessels operating within US waters – they are responsible for both deck operations (e.g., rigging sails & mooring lines) as well as engineering tasks (e.g., maintenance & repair work). In addition they may also assist with navigational activities such as plotting courses/waypoints on charts/maps or helping look out during watch shifts – basically anything related to ensuring safe passage while out at sea!

Types of Jobs Available to an Able Seaman

Once certified by USCG there are various types of jobs available to those with their ableseamen certification – some examples include working on fishing boats/trawlers (mostly off shore) , pleasure yachts/cruise ships (mainly harbor operations), cargo vessels (out at sea), ferries & barges (on inland waterways), offshore oil rigs/platforms etc., depending on their area(s) of expertise/interests…so there’s plenty choice when it comes down deciding where best place yourself after qualifying!

Skills and Qualifications Needed by An Able Seaman

In order become certified as an able seamen some prior experience is usually desired but not always required – depending on type vessel/operation being applied for…the following are some basic qualifications which should prove helpful when applying for jobs after receiving USCG certification: competence with handling ropes & knots + knowledge about mechanical systems onboard ships + basic understanding navigational charts + familiarity sailing terminology + ability read radar images etc., so having these skillset(s) under belt should stand candidate best chance when competing against other applicants vying same position(s)!

Conclusion

Becoming certified ableseamen can open up wide range opportunities seafaring profession – but it requires dedication commitment from those wishing pursue this career path…if followed correctly then rewards can great indeed! So take time understand what required become qualified sailor within United States then get ready embark upon journey towards successful maritime career today!