Legal Definitions - ordinary seaman

An ordinary seaman is a junior crew member on a vessel, typically performing general duties under the supervision of more experienced officers or ratings. This role is often an entry-level position for individuals beginning a career at sea, involving tasks such as maintenance, cleaning, watchkeeping, and assisting with mooring operations. They are learning the practical skills of seamanship and contributing to the day-to-day operations of the ship.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of an ordinary seaman:

• Imagine a person who has just completed their basic maritime training and secures their first job on a large cargo ship transporting goods across oceans. Their daily tasks include chipping rust from the deck, repainting various parts of the vessel, cleaning common areas, and assisting the boatswain with securing the ship's lines when it arrives in port. They are constantly learning from the more experienced crew members.

  This individual is an ordinary seaman because they are in a junior, entry-level position, performing general maintenance and operational tasks under supervision, while gaining practical experience in seamanship.

• Consider a crew member working on a scientific research vessel in the Arctic. While they are not a scientist, their responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness of the ship's laboratory spaces, assisting in the deployment and retrieval of small weather balloons, and standing lookout during their assigned watch to spot icebergs. They follow instructions from the deck officers and contribute to the vessel's overall operational readiness.

  This person fits the description of an ordinary seaman as they are performing essential general support duties on a specialized vessel, contributing to its operation without holding a senior or highly specialized role, and working under the direction of others.

• Picture a young person employed on a passenger ferry that makes daily trips across a bay. Their duties involve hosing down the vehicle deck after each crossing, polishing brass railings, assisting passengers with boarding and disembarking, and helping to manage the mooring lines when the ferry docks at either terminal. They are a vital part of the deck crew, ensuring the vessel runs smoothly and safely.

  This crew member is an ordinary seaman because their responsibilities encompass routine maintenance, general operational support, and assisting with passenger services, all typical duties for a junior rating on a commercial vessel, contributing to its daily function.