A seaman may perform the following tasks:

• Maintain deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, lifesaving and fire fighting appliances
• Stand lookout watches at sea and alert deck officers when other vessels, navigation marks or hazards are sighted
• Secure cargoes, and splice wires and ropes
• Handle rope and wire mooring lines, gangways and ladders when the ship is berthing and unearthing
• Maintain cleanliness of decks and structures
• Remove rust, treat and paint the ships sides and structures
• Assist in maintaining and repairing the ships engines and mechanical equipment
• Cleaning the ships fresh water, ballast and oil tanks and cargo compartment.

Seaman may spend long periods at sea. When steering the ship, on lookout duty or on watch, seamen work under the direction of the Officer of the Watch. When in the engine room, they work under the direction of engineering officers.