Ablebodied Seaman

Texas A&M University; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston, TX seeks an Ablebodied Seaman to perform watch standing and day-work in the deck department, including maintenance and safety tasks on the ship. The role requires experience onboard vessels, a current AB license, and USCG credentials.

Responsibilities include standing wheel watches, deck upkeep, and safety checks. Must pass Coast Guard drug testing and participate in the university's safety programs; travel may be required for training cruises.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Active AB license or greater and STCW RFPNW endorsement.
• USCG medical certification and valid passport.
• TWIC card and CPR/BLS within last 12 months.
• Experience onboard ocean or inland vessels.
• Ability to operate in varied weather and deck conditions.

Responsibilities

• Stand watch as wheel, anchor, and gangway; roving watches as directed.
• Perform deck maintenance, cleaning, painting, and repairs as described.
• Learn emergency equipment locations and conduct inspections; assist crew.

Skills

Safety procedures

Watch standing principles

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

STCW RFPNW endorsement

USCG Medical Certification

Job description

Job Title

Ablebodied Seaman

Department

Texas A&M Maritime Academy

Location

Galveston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

Job Overview

The Ablebodied Seaman works as a watch stander and/or day worker in the deck department, performing general maintenance, repair, sanitation, and upkeep of areas and equipment within the deck department.

Responsibilities

• Stand Watch – Stands wheel, anchor, and gangway; conduct roving watches as directed, maintaining alertness at all times. During a wheel watch maintain a steady course, execute all rudder orders, and communicate using navigational terms related to heading and steering.
• Operations and Maintenance – Serves as a day worker on deck, performing general maintenance including chipping, scraping, soundings, priming, painting, and cleaning of the ship’s hull, decks, superstructure, cargo gear, smokestack, lifeboats, rescue boats, life rafts, and emergency/damage control gear.
• Safety and Other – Learn the location and use of emergency equipment, lifesaving equipment, and damage control gear; launch lifesaving equipment and conduct security inspections. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Previous onboard experience on ocean or inland vessels.

Licenses and Certifications

• Active Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) license or greater.
• U.S. Coast Guard approved Adult CPR and Basic First Aid (within last 12 months).
• TWIC Qualified.
• Lifeboat Man.
• STCW with RFPNW endorsement.
• Current USCG Medical Certification and valid passport.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge and skills required to maintain a training and maintenance program for deck cadets on the training ship under the supervision of the Boatswain, Deck Mate, and Chief Mate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operate a ship deck department maintenance program.
• Knowledge of watch standing principles.
• Physical ability to lift or move moderately heavy objects, climb ladders, work in close spaces, and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Work in various temperatures and weather conditions, indoors and outdoors.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift or move moderately heavy objects, step through hatches, climb ladders, and work in close spaces. Must be able to wear required PPE and operate in all weather conditions.

Additional Requirements

• This position is security sensitive and requires compliance with state and federal laws, Texas A&M University System policies, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
• Must pass a U.S. Coast Guard/DOT drug test prior to employment and participate in the university’s random drug testing program.
• Must be able to sail during all designated underway periods, including training cruises aboard the training ship, and be present for shipyard periods or when the ship is away from Galveston.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas A&M University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or genetic information.