Legal Definitions - ordinary seaman

An ordinary seaman is a crew member of a navigating vessel who is below the rank of officer and contributes to the function of the vessel or the accomplishment of its mission. They have some experience but are not proficient enough to be classified as an able-bodied seaman.

• John is an ordinary seaman on a cargo ship. He helps with tasks like cleaning, painting, and loading and unloading cargo.
• Sarah is an ordinary seaman on a fishing boat. She helps with tasks like setting and hauling in nets, cleaning fish, and maintaining equipment.

These examples illustrate that ordinary seamen are important members of a ship's crew who perform various tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the vessel. They may not have as much experience or training as able-bodied seamen, but they still play a crucial role in the functioning of the ship.