Maine Maritime Academy > Center for Professional Mariner Development > National Able Seaman

National Able Seaman   |    Blended    |    $750.00

 

Part 1:   Begin the Course   |   Register Now  

 

Part 2:   2025 Dates for the On-Campus Assessment

Schedule a class by contacting our office.

 

 

Course Duration
48-hour hybrid course   |     40 hours of online coursework followed by an 8-hour in-person practical training and assessment session, during which you will be required to pass two written exams and demonstrate Marlinespike Seamanship proficiency.

Course Description:

This course is designed for mariners at the entry-level position. The objective of the program is to provide instruction, assess knowledge, evaluate skills, and ensure competence in seamanship for mariners intending to work professionally as Able Seamen. Note that this course does not satisfy any sea service requirements, nor does it satisfy additional training requirements for an Able Seaman rating such as Lifeboatman.

 

Topics of study include:

  • Nautical Terminology
  • Watchkeeping and Helmsman’s Duties
  • Compass and Chart Use
  • Rules of the Road
  • Aids to Navigation
  • Pollution Management
  • Cargo Equipment and Handling
  • Anchoring, Mooring, and Line Handling
  • Firefighting and Shipboard Emergencies
  • Marlinespike Seamanship

Course Access & Online Learning

Upon registration, students will receive a confirmation email with login details for Canvas, Maine Maritime Academy’s online learning platform.

  • The course is self-paced.

  • Modules must be completed in sequence, with a quiz following each module.

  • Please allow up to 2 hours for the course to appear on your Canvas dashboard after registration.

Returning students can log in using their existing Canvas credentials.

MMA alumni who previously used Canvas as undergraduates will receive a new Canvas account for their CPMD courses.

USCG Approval:
Those who successfully complete this National Able Seaman course will be presented with a certificate of course completion, and will satisfy the professional examination requirements of 46 CFR § 12.401(c)(5) for any national rating endorsement as Able Seaman, as well as CFR examination and demonstration requirements outlined in 46 CFR § 12.405 with the exception that this course does not meet any written or practical examination requirement for Lifeboatman.