Able Bodied Seaman

[Bob Godfrey]

Always best to start by surveying the ground, Matteo.

 

[Matteo Eyre]

That's the plan Bob
Matteo

 

[Steven Christian]

Originally an Able Seaman was one able to "hand, reef and steer". That is, he could handle sails and ropes, reef sails as required and steer by the compass or the wind. An Ordinary Seaman was a learner who lacked these skills. Able Seamen acquired many skills, especially in rope work. In the days of sail, seamen actually rated themselves. The system worked because a man who signed as an AB risked dire punishment if he turned out to be incompetent.

In 1912 an Able Seaman was one with three years satisfactory experience as an Ordinary Seaman. As Ordinary Seamen did simple tasks like sweeping decks, the standard was low. Today there is formal training for seamen, at least in advanced countries and certificates are awarded.

So in todays merchant navy is an AB a stepping stone to become a boatswain or a helmsman or other ratings or is it a career path itself. What I mean is does an AB advance to become something else? Not up on the merchant navy so forgive my ignorance. Do AB's become strikers like in the military where a seaman recruit does to go after a rating? I've been out so long I don't even know if you can join the navy today as just a seaman recruit and then strike after boot.