Online Able Seaman (AB) Course
Enroll in the Online Able Seaman (AB) Course
The Online Able Seaman Course is convenient, reliable, and affordable. An able seaman (AB) is a Naval rating 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 watchstander, a day worker, or a combination of these roles. Once a sufficient amount of sea time is acquired, then the AB can apply to take a series of courses/examinations to become certified as an officer.
Exam Modules
You are enrolled in the three exam modules that make up the course:
- Navigation and Rules of the Road
- Deck General/Safety
- Marlinespike Seamanship Practical Demonstration
Class materials
Everything needed to complete the Navigation and Rules of the Road Exam Module as well as the Deck General / Safety Exam Module is found in the online classroom.
The Marlinespike Seamanship Practical Demonstration requires a three strand line to demonstrate splicing and any line about four feet long to tie knots. For splicing we recommend a three strand nylon line with electrical tape whipping as seen in the videos. For knot tying we recommend a line about 4 feet long. Bring the lines you practice with to the in-person final examination.