Nautical Term: Ordinary seaman

Definition of Ordinary seaman

An ordinary seaman represents the initial rank for individuals serving in the deck department on a commercial vessel. Successively advancing in their deck department career, an ordinary seaman may next aim for the grade of able-bodied seaman.

For instance, during a voyage, the captain announced that the ship would be making a port call in the Caribbean. The deck crew, consisting of able-bodied seamen and ordinary seamen, prepared the ship for the upcoming port call, ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies were in order.

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