Will “Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman)” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #461 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-5011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 46,170.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 22.00
Currently, there are 32,530 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Sailors and Marine Oilers”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Able Bodied Seaman (AB Seaman)”

Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Paint or varnish decks, superstructures, lifeboats, or sides of ships.
Measure depth of water in shallow or unfamiliar waters, using leadlines, and telephone or shout depth information to vessel bridges.
Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, or sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines.
Splice and repair ropes, wire cables, or cordage, using marlinespikes, wire cutters, twine, and hand tools.
Clean and polish wood trim, brass, or other metal parts.
Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
Record data in ships' logs, such as weather conditions or distances traveled.
Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
Stand by wheels when ships are on automatic pilot and verify accuracy of courses, using magnetic compasses.
Stand gangway watches to prevent unauthorized persons from boarding ships while in port.
Operate, maintain, or repair ship equipment, such as winches, cranes, derricks, or weapons system.
Overhaul lifeboats or lifeboat gear and lower or raise lifeboats with winches or falls.
Steer ships under the direction of commanders or navigating officers or direct helmsmen to steer, following designated courses.
Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts such as gears, shafts, or bearings.
Load or unload materials, vehicles, or passengers from vessels.
Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
Participate in shore patrols.
Give directions to crew members engaged in cleaning wheelhouses or quarterdecks.
Relay specified signals to other ships, using visual signaling devices, such as blinker lights or semaphores.
Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
Provide engineers with assistance in repairing or adjusting machinery.
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove oil, dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
Lower and man lifeboats when emergencies occur.

Related Technology & Tools

Riding pawls
Carbon dioxide CO2 firefighting systems
Spanner wrenches
Crescent wrenches
Wire cutters
Sharpening steels
Bolt cutters
Filter masks
Portable fire extinguishers
Hydraulic deck cranes
Natural fiber mooring ropes
Lifting slings
Lifeboat davits
Emergency generators
Fire hoses
Respirators
Cargo booms
Personal computers
Pilot ladders
Life rings
Sounding rods
Safety lanyards
Steam winches
Emergency position-indicating radio beacons
Sewing needles
Desktop computers
Radio direction finders RDF
Electric windlasses
Hydraulic capstans
Radar navigation systems
Sheave blocks
Synthetic mooring ropes
Liquid cargo transfer hoses
Magnetic compasses
Two way radios
Welders
Bridge telephones
Chain cargo falls
Grease dispensing guns
Ship alarm systems
Electric mooring winches
Mechanical telegraphs
Manual winches
Safety helmets
Voice pipes
Thermal protective aids TPA
Centrifugal ventilators
Fids
Reciprocating pumps
Ship anchor chocks
Forklifts
Ratchet sets
Semaphores
Hand punches
Cargo derricks
Claw hammers
Foam firefighting systems
Container lift trucks
Metal chisels
Chipping hammers
Safety belts
Hand windlasses
Portable gas detectors
Mooring cables
Hydraulic windlasses
Pyrotechnic distress signals
Blinker lights
Air chippers
Sounding tapes
Galvanized thimbles
Safety glasses
Tank level gauges
Signal flags
Cargo hooks
Wire splicers
Anti-exposure coveralls
Pipe wrenches
Workshop vises
Engine room alarm systems
Life jackets
Hand capstans
Gyrocompasses
Gear pumps
Magnet hoists
Hydraulic mooring winches
Bilge pumping systems
Centrifugal cargo pumps
Electric deck cranes
Life buoys
Grabbing cranes
Lifeboats
Lifting spreaders
Explosimeters
Mooring chains
Locking jaw pliers
Oil dispensing cans
Electric telegraphs

Microsoft Word
Kongsberg Maritime K-Log Deck Logbook
Microsoft Windows
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Log book software
KNMI TurboWin