What is the minimum sea time to qualify as Able Seafarer Deck (AB)?

STCW Regulation II/5 and the associated Section A-II/5 specify a minimum of 12 months of sea service as a rating forming part of a navigational watch. Sea service must be documented in a discharge book and must be confirmed as including navigational-watch duties — not cargo-only or port-duty assignments. Some flag states require the 12 months to be on vessels of a minimum size (e.g., 500 GT or more) for the Unlimited endorsement.

What is the AB-Deck Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)?

The AB-Deck CoP is issued by the flag administration under STCW Regulation II/5 and confirms that the holder has demonstrated the competencies in Table A-II/5: performing watchkeeping duties, applying seamanship skills, contributing to cargo and ballast operations, and responding to emergencies. It is not a full Certificate of Competency (CoC) — it does not authorise independent watchkeeping as an officer, but it is the recognised international qualification for the senior deck-rating role and is required by most ITF-affiliated employers for the AB rank.

Is a formal training course required, or can I just submit sea-time documents?

Most flag states require both sufficient sea time and a formal assessment of the Table A-II/5 competencies — either via a flag-approved training programme, a formal on-board competency assessment signed by the Master, or both. The Philippines MARINA requires candidates to complete MAAP-accredited competency assessments; DG Shipping India requires passing an MMD written examination; the UK MCA requires a combination of sea time and assessed Record of Competency. A course-only approach without sea time is not accepted.

What is the salary difference between OS and AB?

Able Seafarer Deck (AB) ratings typically earn 25–35% more than Ordinary Seamen on the same vessel. The ITF/IBF OS minimum basic wage (2025) is approximately USD 640/month; the AB minimum is approximately USD 820/month. On tankers and gas carriers, where the AB performs additional cargo-related duties, the premium can be larger. Additional allowances (leave, overtime, tropical, overtime) are also typically higher for AB.

Can I use sea time on a small vessel or fishing vessel towards the AB-Deck CoP?

This depends on the flag state. STCW applies to ships engaged on international voyages of 500 GT or more; some flag states count sea service on smaller vessels for the rating-level certificate (CoP), while others require the sea time to be on vessels above a minimum size. Sea time on fishing vessels is generally governed by the separate STCW-F Convention. Always verify the acceptable vessel-type rules with the relevant flag administration.

Ordinary Seaman to Able Seafarer Deck (AB)

The Ordinary Seaman (OS) is the entry point to the deck department on ocean-going vessels. After a minimum of 12 months at sea performing navigational-watch duties, an OS can qualify for the Able Seafarer Deck Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) under STCW Regulation II/5 — one of the most widely held maritime certificates in the world. The AB rating is recognised internationally, typically commands a 25–35% salary premium over OS, and is the starting point for further progression towards officer qualifications via the deck rating to OOW upgrading route. STCW sets the international floor; the issuing flag state can add national requirements — always verify with the issuing administration. Typical total duration from first signing on as OS to receiving the AB-Deck CoP: 15–18 months.

The qualification — STCW II/5 (Able Seafarer Deck)

STCW Section A-II/5 lists the mandatory minimum competencies for the AB-Deck rating:

Basic Safety Training (BST) — STCW A-VI/1. Required of every seafarer. All four modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR). Refresher in PST and FPFF every 5 years.
Security Awareness — STCW A-VI/6-1. Required of all seafarers since Manila 2010.
Watchkeeping proficiency (STCW A-II/4 and A-II/5) — Demonstrated competency in lookout duties, helm orders, steering gear operation, mooring and anchoring, cargo and stability operations at the rating level. Assessed via Training Record Book (TRB), onboard assessment, or flag-state examination.
Proficiency in Survival Craft (STCW A-VI/2-1) — The PSCRB is required by most flag states for the AB-Deck CoP, as the AB is typically rostered as a lifeboat crew member or boat commander.

Sea time required

STCW Regulation II/5 requires a minimum of 12 months of sea service as a rating forming part of a navigational watch. Key points:

· Sea time must include navigational-watch duties (not just port or cargo assignments).
· Service must be documented in a discharge book (Seaman's Book / CDC) or equivalent official record endorsed by Masters.
· Flag states differ on minimum vessel size — some require service on vessels of 500 GT or more for the Unlimited endorsement; others accept smaller vessels for limited endorsements.
· Competency assessment or examination is required in addition to sea time.
· Typical timeline from first OS contract to AB-Deck CoP: 15–18 months.

Training centres by country

Philippines (MARINA)
The Philippines is the world's largest source of deck ratings. MARINA-accredited Maritime Education and Training Centers (METCs) deliver the competency assessments and BST refresher courses required for the AB-Deck CoP. The Philippine AB-Deck CoP is widely accepted by international flags and recognised under numerous MoU white-list arrangements. Flag-state-specific — verify with marina.gov.ph.
India (DG Shipping)
DG Shipping issues the AB-Deck CoP following a written examination at an MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) office. BST must be obtained from a DG Shipping-approved institute. Indian AB ratings serve predominantly in the tanker and bulk-carrier sectors. Flag-state-specific — verify with dgshipping.gov.in.
Ukraine (Maradmin)
Odessa and Kherson maritime colleges have historically been significant AB-Deck training centres. War-era disruptions have affected operations; Ukrainian seafarers should verify current exam and certification procedures with the Ukrainian Maritime Administration.
United Kingdom (UK MCA)
The UK issues an Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) certificate as its near-coastal equivalent and an Able Seafarer Deck CoP for the STCW II/5 international standard. MCA-approved centres include Warsash, South Tyneside College, and DITTO. Flag-state-specific — verify with gov.uk/MCA.

Salary uplift — OS to AB

The ITF/IBF minimum basic wage for Able Seafarer Deck (2025) is approximately USD 820/month, versus approximately USD 640/month for Ordinary Seaman — a premium of roughly 28%. On tankers and gas carriers, where ABs typically perform additional cargo-watch duties, the total package differential is larger. See the salary database for vessel-type breakdowns.

Career progression

The AB-Deck CoP is the launch pad for further career progression. With 36 months of qualifying sea service as an AB forming part of a navigational watch, candidates can enter a bridging or top-up programme leading to the OOW Certificate of Competency (STCW II/1). See the deck rating to OOW pathway for the next step. Some employers also offer Bosun or Deck Foreman roles for experienced ABs who prefer to remain in the rating structure while commanding a higher wage. Rights and protections for ratings are covered at rights / recruitment fees and scams.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum sea time to qualify as Able Seafarer Deck (AB)?
STCW Regulation II/5 and the associated Section A-II/5 specify a minimum of 12 months of sea service as a rating forming part of a navigational watch. Sea service must be documented in a discharge book and must be confirmed as including navigational-watch duties — not cargo-only or port-duty assignments. Some flag states require the 12 months to be on vessels of a minimum size (e.g., 500 GT or more) for the Unlimited endorsement.
What is the AB-Deck Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)?
The AB-Deck CoP is issued by the flag administration under STCW Regulation II/5 and confirms that the holder has demonstrated the competencies in Table A-II/5: performing watchkeeping duties, applying seamanship skills, contributing to cargo and ballast operations, and responding to emergencies. It is not a full Certificate of Competency (CoC) — it does not authorise independent watchkeeping as an officer, but it is the recognised international qualification for the senior deck-rating role and is required by most ITF-affiliated employers for the AB rank.
Is a formal training course required, or can I just submit sea-time documents?
Most flag states require both sufficient sea time and a formal assessment of the Table A-II/5 competencies — either via a flag-approved training programme, a formal on-board competency assessment signed by the Master, or both. The Philippines MARINA requires candidates to complete MAAP-accredited competency assessments; DG Shipping India requires passing an MMD written examination; the UK MCA requires a combination of sea time and assessed Record of Competency. A course-only approach without sea time is not accepted.
What is the salary difference between OS and AB?
Able Seafarer Deck (AB) ratings typically earn 25–35% more than Ordinary Seamen on the same vessel. The ITF/IBF OS minimum basic wage (2025) is approximately USD 640/month; the AB minimum is approximately USD 820/month. On tankers and gas carriers, where the AB performs additional cargo-related duties, the premium can be larger. Additional allowances (leave, overtime, tropical, overtime) are also typically higher for AB.
Can I use sea time on a small vessel or fishing vessel towards the AB-Deck CoP?
This depends on the flag state. STCW applies to ships engaged on international voyages of 500 GT or more; some flag states count sea service on smaller vessels for the rating-level certificate (CoP), while others require the sea time to be on vessels above a minimum size. Sea time on fishing vessels is generally governed by the separate STCW-F Convention. Always verify the acceptable vessel-type rules with the relevant flag administration.

Primary sources

Flag-state caveat: STCW sets the international floor. Individual flag administrations may require additional national examinations, minimum vessel sizes for sea-time acceptance, or supplementary courses not listed here. Always verify current requirements with the issuing flag-state administration before submitting an application.

This page is for information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Requirements change — verify with your flag administration before acting.