Ratings & Crew
Ordinary Seaman — Global Hiring Overview
Ordinary Seamen are entry-level deck ratings supporting deck work, watch lookout, and seamanship training aboard merchant vessels.
Median Salary
$24.0k
$17.3k – $33.6k
Demand Score
95/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
12K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+17%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for ordinary seamen in the global maritime market is exceptionally strong. Maritime employers report a 17% year-on-year increase in Ordinary Seaman mandates, driven by fleet growth, crew rotation cycles, and a tightening rating supply chain in key seafaring nations.
Salary Trend
Ordinary Seaman compensation typically falls between $17.3k and $33.6k, with experienced oss in the global maritime market commanding $33.6k+ at leading shipowners, managers, ports, cruise operators, and offshore players. Total compensation often includes leave pay, travel, joining bonuses, performance pay, and ship-type or DP allowances.
Career Path
Ordinary Seamen typically progress to Able Seaman, Deck Rating roles, or into petty officer, bosun, and senior rating progression with cross-rank upgrades across the global hiring maritime market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Support mooring and cargo operations
- •Assist watch lookout duties
- •Learn seamanship and deck maintenance
Qualifications
- •STCW II/4 OS
- •Basic safety training (STCW VI/1)
For Shipowners, Ports & Maritime Employers
Hire qualified ordinary seamen on CosmoQuick
Shipowners, ship managers, container lines, cruise lines, port authorities, terminals, shipyards, and offshore operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted ordinary seamen worldwide.
Ordinary Seaman jobs by city
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Dubai
22.2K openings · $31.2k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Abu Dhabi
17.4K openings · $30.7k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Fujairah
15K openings · $25.2k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Doha
18.6K openings · $31.2k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Ras Laffan
15.6K openings · $26.4k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Dammam
16.8K openings · $26.4k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Jeddah
17.4K openings · $26.4k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Muscat
13.2K openings · $25.2k
Ordinary Seaman jobs in Manama
12K openings · $26.4k
Ordinary Seaman salary insights
Ordinary Seaman salary in Dubai
$31.2k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Abu Dhabi
$30.7k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Fujairah
$25.2k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Doha
$31.2k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Ras Laffan
$26.4k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Dammam
$26.4k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Jeddah
$26.4k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Muscat
$25.2k
Ordinary Seaman salary in Manama
$26.4k
Hiring by maritime industry
Shipping Companies hiring Ordinary Seamen
Shipowners and operators across container, bulk, tanker, LNG, and specialised trades hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
Container Liners hiring Ordinary Seamen
Global container lines, alliances, and feeder operators hiring across vessel and shore operations
Bulk Shipping Operators hiring Ordinary Seamen
Dry bulk owners and operators across Capesize, Panamax, and Handysize fleets
Tanker Operators hiring Ordinary Seamen
Crude, product, chemical, and gas tanker operators hiring officers, ratings, and shore staff
LNG Shipping Operators hiring Ordinary Seamen
LNG and LPG shipping operators hiring across specialised gas-carrier operations
Cruise Lines hiring Ordinary Seamen
Ocean and river cruise operators hiring marine crew, hotel teams, and entertainment staff worldwide
Port Authorities hiring Ordinary Seamen
Port authorities and operators running container, bulk, multi-purpose, and cruise terminals
Terminal Operators hiring Ordinary Seamen
Global and regional terminal operators hiring across container, bulk, and energy terminals
Shipyards hiring Ordinary Seamen
Newbuild and repair yards hiring across engineering, production, and project management
Related specialties
Related maritime roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Ordinary Seaman in the global maritime market is around $24.0k, typically ranging from $17.3k to $33.6k based on rank, sea-time, type experience, and the maritime employer.