What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- Able Seafarer Deck certificate — STCW Regulation II/5 (section A-II/5)
- Spain: proficiency certificate issued by the DGMM on the basis of Marinero de Puente (Order FOM/2296/2002) plus the Regulation II/5 sea service (indicative, verify the implementing resolution)
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1 Basic Training; A-VI/2-1 Survival craft and rescue boats when assigned a boat in the muster list
Specific courses
- EDH (Efficient Deck Hand) or equivalent, where required by the flag (e.g. UK MCA)
- Operation of shipboard cranes and lifting gear, slinging and load control (company training)
- Enclosed-space permits, working aloft and over the side; mooring safety (OCIMF MEG4 in the tanker fleet — indicative)
Indicative experience
Regulation II/5: minimum age 18, valid II/4 certificate and ≥ 18 months of sea service as a navigational watch rating, or ≥ 12 months with approved training. Typical time before promotion to Bosun: 3 to 5 years (indicative, company criterion).
Observations
Progression route: Ordinary Seaman (II/4) → Able Seafarer Deck (II/5) → Bosun → (academic route) deck officer. At the helm during manoeuvres, clean execution of standard orders and clear course call-outs are the AB's calling card; on deck it is the well-made splice and the safe rig. The exact name and limits of the certificate vary by flag.
What this role does
Qualified deck rating (Able Seafarer Deck, STCW Regulation II/5): helmsman during manoeuvres and restricted waters, qualified lookout and executor of the deck jobs that demand trade skill — rigging, slinging, maintenance of cargo gear and hatch closing appliances. In Spain it is reached from Marinero de Puente with the required sea service. It is the natural quarry of future bosuns.
Typical watches
- Watch on the bridge or on deck as assigned
Key responsibilities
- Watchkeeping as helmsman or lookout.
- Deck maintenance and loading support.
- Participation in mooring and emergencies.
Operational scope
- Navigational watch
- Deck maintenance
- Tie
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.