Course Purpose Statement
The Able Body Seaman certification establishes foundational competency in essential seamanship skills required for deck operations aboard commercial vessels. This program transforms aspiring mariners into qualified crew members capable of performing critical safety functions and routine deck operations under the supervision of licensed officers.

Comprehensive Learning Outcomes
Students develop proficiency in fundamental seamanship principles including vessel operations and navigation safety procedures,. The curriculum covers practical line handling techniques, advanced knot tying and splicing methods. The program emphasizes understanding of maritime regulations, vessel stability principles, and cargo handling safety protocols essential for professional maritime service.

Training Equipment and Facilities
Training utilizes Seafarers Worldwide's state-of-the-art maritime simulation facilities located on Anacortes' working waterfront. Students work with authentic deck equipment including capstans, winches, and mooring systems identical to those found on commercial vessels. The program features training allowing students to learn procedures in realistic maritime environments. Practical exercises utilize professional-grade rope work stations, navigation equipment, and safety gear meeting current industry standards.

Regulatory Compliance Framework
This course fully satisfies requirements established under the International Maritime Organization's STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, specifically meeting competency standards outlined in STCW Code Section A-II/4 for Able Seafarer Deck. The program complies with United States Coast Guard regulations under 46 CFR Part 12, satisfying examination requirements for Able Seaman endorsements on Merchant Mariner Credentials. All training components align with NVIC 04-14 guidelines and incorporate mandatory safety training elements required under STCW Section A-VI/1.

Certification and Career Credentials
Upon successful completion, graduates receive a United States Coast Guard-approved Able Seaman endorsement valid for service on vessels of unlimited tonnage operating on any waters worldwide. This credential serves as the foundation for maritime career advancement, qualifying holders for deck department positions aboard commercial fishing vessels, cargo ships, passenger vessels, and offshore support craft. The certification provides direct pathway advancement to higher-level endorsements including Proficiency in Survival Craft, OUPV licensing, and eventual progression toward Master licenses up to 100 tons and beyond.

The Able Body Seaman Telepresence (Live-On-Line) certification delivers the same foundational seamanship competencies as the traditional in-person program through advanced live interactive online instruction. This innovative delivery method provides mariners worldwide access to essential deck operations training while maintaining full regulatory compliance and instructor engagement through real-time virtual classroom environments.Students master identical competencies to the in-person program, including seamanship principles, and vessel operations knowledge. The telepresence format covers theoretical aspects of line handling, knot tying techniques, navigation safety procedures, and lookout duties through detailed visual demonstrations. Participants engage in real-time discussions of command procedures, maritime regulations, and vessel stability principles while completing comprehensive assessments that ensure full understanding of deck operations and safety protocols essential for professional maritime service. Training utilizes Seafarers Worldwide's sophisticated telepresence platform delivering high-definition live instruction through Zoom technology with full instructor-student interaction capabilities.

Professional Career Foundation
The Able Seaman certification represents the essential first step in professional maritime careers, providing graduates with internationally recognized credentials that open opportunities across the global shipping industry. This foundational training ensures mariners possess the competency and confidence necessary to contribute effectively to vessel operations while maintaining the highest standards of maritime safety and professionalism.