Deck department
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The deck department is an organisational team on board naval and merchant ships. Seafarers in the deck department work a variety of jobs on a ship or vessel, but primarily they will carry out the navi
The deck department is responsible for safely receiving, discharging, and caring for cargo during a voyage.
The ship's bosun, an able seaman (AB) day worker, and a watchstander AB are seen here working aloft aboard a U.S. freighter to maintain cargo rigging.
Able seaman
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An able seaman is a seaman and member of the deck department of a merchant ship with more than two years' experience at sea and considered "well acquainted with his duty". An AB may work as a watchsta
Deck department
…The deck department is responsible for safely receiving, discharging, and caring for cargo during a voyage. The ship's bosun, an able seaman (AB) day worker, and a watchstander AB are seen here working aloft aboard a U.S. freighter to maintain cargo rigging. The deck department is an…
Able seamen generally serve as a ship's helmsmen, relying on visual references, compasses, and a rudder angle indicator to steer a steady course as directed by the mate or other officer on the bridge.
Dayworker AB preparing a mast for painting
Knowing how to safely work aloft to maintain cargo rigging is a skill required of an AB.
ABs were in high demand during World War II.