If you want to work as an ordinary seaman (OS), you must first locate a shipping company that will accept your application to join its ship’s crew. In most cases, no special training is required to become an OS. This is an apprentice position for aspiring capable seamen. Before you become an ordinary seaman, you should learn some of the basic commands that will be given to you while on board, as well as research the proper way to swab a deck, wrap or coil rope, and tie basic knots.
Ordinary seaman is one of the lowest positions on board a ship, and it is typically a duty-driven position. As an ordinary seaman, you will be responsible for sweeping, mopping, and cleaning every inch of the ship. This is the key to becoming a competent sailor, as well as one method of accumulating hours at sea. A few college courses geared toward preparing you to work as an ordinary seaman may help you stand out from the crowd. Contacting shipping companies at a local port or in a port near you is another option for becoming an ordinary seaman. Companies are often aware of ships in need of assistance and may be able to point you in the right direction.
Working on cruise ships and with supply companies for off-shore oil wells are two other options in your quest to become an ordinary seaman. Ordinary seamen can often be added to the crew roster because these ships frequently promote individuals to the rank of able seaman. You should also start exercising because the job of an ordinary seaman can be extremely taxing on an out-of-shape crewman. Some of the ropes used to tie the vessel to the dock can be quite heavy, and when wet, they can be even more difficult to handle while trying to stay upright on a slick steel deck.
You may have a better chance of completing your tasks if you take the time to improve your physical fitness before applying for the job. If you’ve never been on a cruise or other type of off-shore adventure, a short cruise or other type of off-shore adventure may be beneficial to test your sea sickness or fear of being on the water. Off-shore fishing trips that take you past the point where you can see land can help you feel like you’re out at sea.