License: Able Seaman - AB

United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center external site

2100 2nd St., SW

Washington, DC 20593-0001

(202) 267-0218

Requirements for an Able Seaman license include a medical certificate of excellent health, and a certificate attesting to vision, color perception, and general physical condition. While no experience or formal schooling is required, training at a union-operated school is the best source. With experience at sea, and perhaps union-sponsored training, an ordinary seaman with a Merchant Marine Document (MMD) can pass the Able Seaman exam and move up with 3 years of service. Please see the U.S. Coast Guard web site at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/index.htm, the Veteran's Employment and Training Service (VETS) web site at http://umet-vets.dol.gov/ableseaman.htm, and the Federal Code of Regulations (46 CFR12.02-11) at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_02/46cfr12_02.html