Able Seaman Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Able Seaman positions are eligible for H-1B and other work visa sponsorship when they require specialized maritime certifications like STCW or advanced navigation credentials. Most sponsoring employers are shipping companies, offshore energy firms, and cruise lines that demonstrate the specialized nature of maritime operations to USCIS. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Opportunity:
We are seeking Able Seaman to be onboard our subsea rock installation vessel (SRIV) fleet and is an essential part of the deck crew, plays an active role in deck operations such as docking, undocking, and line handling. The duties will include acting as lookout / standing watch and conducting safety/security rounds. Able seaman is a part of ship’s emergency response team in regard of the ship safety and pollution prevention. This is a staff position directly involved in the vessel operations; they will be required to run/operate excavators and obtain an excavator operator NCCER license. They shall assist with equipment repairs, scheduled and preventive maintenance of deck equipment and rock installation equipment. This is a domestic project–based position, with immediate assignment to our SRIV in the United States. The typical work rotation for the Able Seaman is 4 weeks on duty, followed by 4 weeks off.
About the Company:
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC is the largest provider of dredging, land reclamation and beach nourishment services in the United States, and the only U.S. dredging company with international operations. With the largest and most diverse dredging fleet in the US, Great Lakes serves a wide range of customers including the US Army Corps of Engineers; state, local and foreign governments; and private companies both international and domestic. Headquartered in Houston, TX. Our diverse fleet of equipment includes hopper, mechanical and hydraulic dredges, SRIV and approximately 200 support vessels.
Responsibilities:
- Follow all company safety rules and recommended practices during assigned operations and tasks
- Stand watch as helmsman and lookout
- Stand security-related watches, such as a gangway watch or anchor watch while the ship is not underway
- Perform general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department
- Run and operate the ship excavators to move rock cargo during loading operations and to load hoppers during rock installation operations
- Follow the Reliability Assured Maintenance (RAM) program
- Maintain ship's metal structures by chipping, scraping, cleaning, priming, and painting
- Ensures a clean sanitary environment aboard the vessel
- Clean, maintain, and repair the hull, decks, superstructure and rock installation equipment
- Perform maintenance on lifeboats, rescue boats and life rafts, and emergency and damage control gear
- Lowers or raises lifeboats with winch or falls
- Use emergency, lifesaving, damage control, and safety equipment
- Perform all operations connected with the launching of lifesaving equipment
- Operate deck machinery, such as the windlass or winches while mooring or unmooring, and to operate rock installation equipment
- Use the VHF/UHF portable radio
- Splice lines
- Clean rock holds/hoppers/conveyers
- Lines handling
- Perform lubrication services on deck/rock installation equipment
- Loading supplies
- Removing/burning trash
- Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested
Requirements
- Must possess a valid USCG license of unlimited tonnage for Able Seaman
- Minimum 2 years sea time on vessels
- Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC)
- Valid TWIC
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Must be able to obtain an NCCER certification to operate excavators
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to use Microsoft Office
Benefits:
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company contributes to benefit plans with the Seafarers International Union that are available to its members such as the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Vacation Plan, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan as well as other fringe benefit plans
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or other status protected by law or regulation.
GLDD participates in E-Verify as required by law.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking Able Seaman to be onboard our subsea rock installation vessel (SRIV) fleet and is an essential part of the deck crew, plays an active role in deck operations such as docking, undocking, and line handling. The duties will include acting as lookout / standing watch and conducting safety/security rounds. Able seaman is a part of ship’s emergency response team in regard of the ship safety and pollution prevention. This is a staff position directly involved in the vessel operations; they will be required to run/operate excavators and obtain an excavator operator NCCER license. They shall assist with equipment repairs, scheduled and preventive maintenance of deck equipment and rock installation equipment. This is a domestic project–based position, with immediate assignment to our SRIV in the United States. The typical work rotation for the Able Seaman is 4 weeks on duty, followed by 4 weeks off.
About the Company:
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC is the largest provider of dredging, land reclamation and beach nourishment services in the United States, and the only U.S. dredging company with international operations. With the largest and most diverse dredging fleet in the US, Great Lakes serves a wide range of customers including the US Army Corps of Engineers; state, local and foreign governments; and private companies both international and domestic. Headquartered in Houston, TX. Our diverse fleet of equipment includes hopper, mechanical and hydraulic dredges, SRIV and approximately 200 support vessels.
Responsibilities:
- Follow all company safety rules and recommended practices during assigned operations and tasks
- Stand watch as helmsman and lookout
- Stand security-related watches, such as a gangway watch or anchor watch while the ship is not underway
- Perform general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department
- Run and operate the ship excavators to move rock cargo during loading operations and to load hoppers during rock installation operations
- Follow the Reliability Assured Maintenance (RAM) program
- Maintain ship's metal structures by chipping, scraping, cleaning, priming, and painting
- Ensures a clean sanitary environment aboard the vessel
- Clean, maintain, and repair the hull, decks, superstructure and rock installation equipment
- Perform maintenance on lifeboats, rescue boats and life rafts, and emergency and damage control gear
- Lowers or raises lifeboats with winch or falls
- Use emergency, lifesaving, damage control, and safety equipment
- Perform all operations connected with the launching of lifesaving equipment
- Operate deck machinery, such as the windlass or winches while mooring or unmooring, and to operate rock installation equipment
- Use the VHF/UHF portable radio
- Splice lines
- Clean rock holds/hoppers/conveyers
- Lines handling
- Perform lubrication services on deck/rock installation equipment
- Loading supplies
- Removing/burning trash
- Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested
Requirements
- Must possess a valid USCG license of unlimited tonnage for Able Seaman
- Minimum 2 years sea time on vessels
- Merchant Mariners Credentials (MMC)
- Valid TWIC
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Must be able to obtain an NCCER certification to operate excavators
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to use Microsoft Office
Benefits:
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company contributes to benefit plans with the Seafarers International Union that are available to its members such as the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Vacation Plan, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan as well as other fringe benefit plans
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or other status protected by law or regulation.
GLDD participates in E-Verify as required by law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Able Seaman
Highlight maritime certifications in your application
STCW Basic Safety Training, Able Seaman certifications, and radar endorsements demonstrate specialized knowledge that supports visa petitions. Include all USCIS merchant mariner credentials and international certifications.
Target offshore energy and shipping companies
Oil platforms, LNG carriers, and container shipping lines regularly sponsor maritime workers. These employers understand specialized maritime roles and have established visa sponsorship processes.
Emphasize navigation and safety expertise
Bridge watchkeeping, cargo handling systems, and emergency response training show specialized skills beyond basic seamanship. Detail experience with specific vessel types and navigation equipment.
Consider Jones Act exempt vessels
Foreign-flagged vessels operating in U.S. waters aren't subject to Jones Act crew restrictions. These positions may offer more visa sponsorship opportunities for international mariners.
Document vessel endorsements and tonnage ratings
Unlimited tonnage endorsements and specific vessel type ratings strengthen specialty occupation arguments. Include experience on particular vessel classes like tankers, bulk carriers, or passenger ships.
Network through maritime unions and associations
International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots and maritime academies often connect foreign mariners with sponsoring employers. Union contacts understand visa requirements for maritime roles.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a maritime degree for H-1B sponsorship as an Able Seaman?
While a maritime academy degree strengthens your case, it's not always required. USCIS may accept STCW certifications, Able Seaman credentials, and substantial sea time as equivalent qualifications. The 3-for-1 rule allows three years of maritime experience to substitute for one year of education, so 12 years of documented sea service could qualify without a degree.
Which maritime employers are most likely to sponsor visas?
Offshore energy companies, international shipping lines, and specialized vessel operators sponsor most maritime visas. Companies like Maersk, Chevron's marine division, and cruise lines have established sponsorship programs. Smaller domestic shipping companies rarely sponsor due to Jones Act crew requirements limiting foreign workers on U.S.-flagged vessels.
Can Able Seaman positions qualify as specialty occupations?
Yes, when the role requires specialized maritime knowledge like advanced navigation, cargo systems, or vessel-specific operations. USCIS looks for duties beyond routine deck maintenance. Positions involving bridge watchkeeping, specialized cargo handling, or operation of complex maritime equipment typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring specific training.
What approval rates do maritime workers see for H-1B petitions?
Maritime positions have moderate approval rates around 65-75% when properly documented. Success depends on demonstrating specialty knowledge through certifications, vessel endorsements, and specific technical duties. Cases fail when employers can't distinguish the role from general maritime labor or lack documentation of specialized requirements.
How do Jones Act restrictions affect visa sponsorship?
The Jones Act requires U.S. citizens or permanent residents on U.S.-flagged vessels in domestic trade. However, foreign-flagged vessels, international routes, and offshore platforms aren't subject to these restrictions. Many sponsoring employers operate foreign-flagged fleets or international shipping routes where Jones Act doesn't apply.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Able Seaman jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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