Deck ratings are the team that carries out the ship's physical maintenance and mooring/anchoring operations.
Bosun — daily duties
- Distributing and supervising the work list received from the Chief Officer.
- Organising mooring, anchoring, painting and rope work.
- On-the-job training for new ratings and ABs.
Able Seaman (AB) — daily duties
- Standing watch: steering and keeping look-out.
- Taking an active role in mooring and anchoring operations.
- Skilled work on maintenance and painting.
Ordinary Seaman (OS) — daily duties
- Assisting with maintenance, painting, cleaning and mooring work.
- Gaining experience by working under an AB's supervision.
A typical day
Starts with the morning work assignment (bosun → crew); the day is filled with maintenance/painting/cleaning, and mooring operations on port days.
How to reach this rank
Entering as an OS is generally possible with basic maritime training; a set amount of sea service plus STCW basic training moves you up to AB, and experience leads to Bosun.
To see the deck ratings hierarchy, check out "Shipboard Hierarchy 4: Deck Ratings".
