Able Seaman

A life of adventure. A lifelong career.

education requirements

HS/GED and Certification

expected salary range

$60K to $150K

training area

Jobs: STATEWIDE

Duties include deckhand, helmsman, anchor and gangway watch, general maintenance, sanitation, equipment repair, lifesaving, damage control, and more. Lots more. Able Seaman is the Merchant Marine rank required for employment on most ships. Seems like a lot of great books start with someone taking a job as an Able Seaman. This can be an exciting adventure!

Here’s what you need:

  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Industry training certification required

Link to Jobs and Other Cool Info:

Here’s where you get it:

Course/Program Provider/Location Degree Certification Length
Able Seaman AVTEC – Seward No USCG 2 weeks
Able Seaman UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 1 week
Advanced Fire Fighting UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 1 week
Basic Meteorology AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 week
Basic Training AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 week
Basic Training UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 1 week
Basic Training Revalidation AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 day
Basic Training Refresher UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 3 days
Crisis Management and Human Behavior UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 2 days
Crowd Management AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 day
Crowd Management UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 1 day
First Aid/CPR/AED Mariner UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 1 day
Intro to Nautical Skills AVTEC – Seward No AVTEC 12 weeks
Marine Transportation UAS Ketchikan Campus AAS USCG 2-3 years
Marine Transportation UAS Ketchikan Campus OEC USCG 1 year
Marlinspike Seamanship AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 day
Proficiency in Survival Craft AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 week
Proficiency in Survival Craft UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 4 days
Rating forming part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 week
Rating forming part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 3 days
Rating forming part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) Assessment AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 day
Tankship AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 week
Towing Assistance Mate/Steersman UAS Ketchikan Campus No USCG 2 days
Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) AVTEC – Seward No USCG 1 day
Basic Training Revalidation UAS Ketchikan No USCG 2 days
Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Certification Alaska Marine Safety Education Association No USCG Drill Conductor card 2 days

AMEC is a 2021 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE).

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