These are GENERIC ONLY and not Necessarily Relevant to any particular Company.  It should be noted, however, that if you do not believe you can meet these minimum requirements, you should look to another profession.

Responsibilities: 

The Ordinary seaman is responsible for keeping the vessel in a clean, orderly condition and work under the direction of the mate. The ordinary seaman must be familiar with all necessary deck functions including mooring and securing the vessel. He/she performs a variety of duties to preserve painted surfaces of ship and to maintain lines, running gear, and cargo-handling gear in safe operating condition.

Functions: 

• Handles lines to moor vessel to wharves, ties up vessel to another vessel or rig.
• Chips, cleans, and paints deck, superstructure, and sides of ship using hand or air chipping hammer and wire brush.
• Sweeps and washes decks, using broom, brushes, mops, and hose to remove oil, dirt, and debris.
• Sweeps and mops the vessel interior. (Maintains entire interior of vessel including sanitation).
• Lubricates deck machinery and equipment as directed.
• Splices and repairs cables and ropes using hand-tools.
• Stands watch from bow of ship or wing of bridge for obstructions in path of ship.
• Assists the mate in the launching of survival craft during emergencies.
• Performs any other additional duties that may be required or assigned.
• Adheres to and complies with company policies, USCG, and environmental regulations.
• Work a rotation watch involving 12 hours in a 24 hour period with occasional additional hours not to exceed 14 consecutive hours.
• Assist with training of personnel as needed.
• Directed by the Master or Mate to take appropriate actions at the scene of any emergency.
• Ensures that areas of responsibility are secured for adverse weather.
• Provide first aid to the injured personnel according to his training or directions from the Master or Mate.
• Assist the Mate in launching of the life rafts.
• Assist in fire fighting and damage control procedures as directed by the officer in charge at the scene.
• Responsible for participating in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations.

• Responsible for documenting and notifying supervisor immediately of any accidents / illnesses / vessel incidents / near misses / etc.

• Responsible for participating in the company's safety programs.
• Responsible for ensuring the maintenance and use of all necessary PPE.
• Responsible for ensuring the elimination of at-risk behaviors by reducing unsafe conditions and un-safe acts on and around the work-site.
• Responsible for participating in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations.
• Reports any suspicious behavior, activities, cargo or security breaches to the Vessel Security Officers

Physical Demand Requirements:

• Required to be able to tolerate repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, pulling, stretching, and reaching to full range from above head to the deck (floor)
• Required to be able to climb ladders, stairwells, and use good balance/coordination when walking over uneven and/or slippery surfaces.
• Required to be able to walk frequently the length of the vessel.
• Required to have sufficient cardio-respiratory fitness to be able to perform heavy physical labor including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling various materials and tools
• Ability to be subject to adverse weather conditions including rough seas, cold, wet, elevated temperatures, and humid conditions.
• Required to be able to lift at least 100 lbs from floor to waist.
• Required to be able to lift at least 75 lbs. from floor to shoulder.
• Required to be able to lift at least 25 lbs. from deck to above head.
• Required to be able to demonstrate 90 lbs of grip strength in dominant hand and 80 lbs. in non-dominant hand

Reports to Mate / Master