200235056

TS 200235056 is a vocational standard for the able seaman role. It addresses the definition of the occupation, its classification, the characteristics associated with the job, the tools, equipment and gear used in practice, and the measurement and assessment of the knowledge and skills expected in this field. In normal maritime use, an able seaman is a competent deck rating who supports the safe operation of a vessel through practical seamanship tasks, watchkeeping support and routine deck work.

Able seaman work in the deck department

In general technical terms, the able seaman sits within the deck-side workforce of a ship and performs hands-on duties that rely on seamanship knowledge, physical coordination, attention and teamwork. Typical contexts include mooring and line handling, deck maintenance, assisting with watch duties, and supporting cargo or navigation-related operations. The standard’s focus is the occupational framework itself: how the role is defined, what broad capabilities are associated with it, and what tools and equipment are relevant. It is not a substitute for the detailed operating manuals or shipboard procedures used on a specific vessel.

Competence assessment and operational equipment

The scope also covers the evaluation of knowledge and abilities for this occupation, together with the identification of the equipment and materials used. In maritime practice, competence is closely linked to safe work habits, familiarity with deck routines, awareness of navigation and communication fundamentals, and the ability to carry out tasks under supervision. The reference set cited alongside the standard, including STCW, SOLAS, COLREG-related rules and GMDSS, places the occupation within the broader international framework of maritime safety, watchkeeping and shipboard communication.

• Definition and classification of the occupation
• Identification of tools, equipment and gear used on the job
• Measurement and assessment of knowledge and skills
• General context for deck duties and watchkeeping support
• Maritime safety and communication context linked to the role