17 Able Seaman Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Able Seaman interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. If hired, what steps would you take to understand the operations of our ship, prior to your start date?
How to Answer
If you are the successful candidate, how will you immerse yourself into the role? Tell the hiring manager what you will do to prepare for success.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"If I were hired, I would immediately start learning the details of the ships that I would be working on. I have already done some research but, with your guidance, I would be happy to get a head start on reading the correct manuals, etc."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. How strong is your sense of direction?
How to Answer
Display to the hiring manager that you have a strong sense of direction. You can do this by discussing any feedback you have received from a previous leader in your career.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My superior officer often comments on my uncanny ability to know which direction we are headed, even when at sea. I have been interested in this skill since I was young and have spent a lot of time perfecting my sense of direction."
Written by Rachelle Enns
3. Are you trained in First Aid and CPR?
How to Answer
Briefly discuss your experience in First Aid and CPR. You can talk about your level of comfortability in life saving techniques and if you have ever had to utilize these skills.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am trained in First Aid and CPR and have my current certifications which I just renewed last month. My skills are strong and I am confident that should I come across an emergency situation, I would be able to utilize my knowledge under pressure."
Written by Rachelle Enns
4. Are you fully trained in the use of lifeboats and life rafts?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about your training and level of confidence in lifeboats and life rafts.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am fully trained in the use of lifeboats and life rafts. I have studied the proper and safe use of both, extensively."
Written by Rachelle Enns
5. How well to you respond to authority even when you may not agree with their decision?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about your willingness to answer to authority. Give an example of a time when you may not have agreed with a decision, but respected their authority anyways.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I will always respect those who have authority over me, no matter if I agree with their decision or not. Last month I was asked to repair a piece of equipment in a way that my superior officer thought would be faster. I disagreed with the method but I did things his way regardless. In the end, the job was completed up to standard and everyone was content."
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. Have you ever had to keep watch for long periods of time? How do you keep yourself wide awake and keen?
How to Answer
Give an example to the hiring manager that will assure them you are able to keep watch and stay keen for long periods of time.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"On my current ship, I am tasked with keeping watch for long periods of time with very little breaks. I have extensive training in this role and am confident in my ability to remain keen."
Written by Rachelle Enns
7. How do you handle working with a fellow seaman?
How to Answer
As an Able Seaman you are often working in closed quarters with others. Tell the hiring manager about your ability to work well with other individuals.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am able to get along well with most personality types. Rarely do I have a disagreement with co-workers and fellow seaman."
Written by Rachelle Enns
8. What do you enjoy most about being a seaman?
How to Answer
Which aspects of being an Able Seaman are most interesting to you? What keeps you interested in your work from day to day? Talk to the hiring manager about the most enjoyable points of this career.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The parts that I enjoy most about being a seaman would be the variety in work and the ability to utilize my mechanical skills. Every day is different and I really value that."
Written by Rachelle Enns
9. What type of routine maintenance did you perform on your last ship?
How to Answer
Take the hiring manager through your experience, highlighting the maintenance tasks that you are most experienced in.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have performed all types of tasks as an Able Seaman. The most common routine maintenance tasks that I have performed on my latest ship include maintenance of the ship's metal structures, cleaning, priming, and painting."
Written by Rachelle Enns
10. When did you first want to become a sailor?
How to Answer
At what point in your life did you realize that you wanted to become a sailor? You can tell a personal story if you wish but be sure to keep them brief.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Growing up, my father was a sailor and I always knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I enrolled in the Navy as soon as I could and haven't looked back since."
Written by Rachelle Enns
11. What is the worst weather condition you had to operate under?
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manager that you are able, and willing, to operate under extreme weather conditions.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As an Able Seaman, I am aware that I will be expected to work in all weather conditions. I have experienced extreme weather changes at sea and am able to handle the pressure and stress that comes with that."
Written by Rachelle Enns
12. If you saw a fellow seaman doing something unsafe what would you do?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager how you would handle a sensitive situation such as this.
"As an Able Seaman, safety is most important. The health of the entire crew depends on safety being treated as a top priority. If I saw a fellow seaman doing something unsafe I would immediately report it, according to our given guidelines."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As an Able Seaman, safety is most important. The health of the entire crew depends on safety being treated as a top priority. If I saw a fellow seaman doing something unsafe I would immediately report it, according to our given guidelines."
Written by Rachelle Enns
13. How many years of service do you have on deck?
How to Answer
Take the interviewer through your experience. You can answer this briefly.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have been working in the Navy for 4 years, 18 months of which have been as an Able Seaman. In total, I have just under 2 years' experience on deck."
Written by Rachelle Enns
14. Do you have a history of being late or calling in sick?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your level of reliability on the job.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have a strong history of being reliable. I am responsible, punctual, and can be relied on. If you were to call my references, they would confirm this is an accurate description of my character."
Written by Rachelle Enns
15. Tell me about your previous employment. How have these previous experiences helped you prepare for a career at sea?
How to Answer
Briefly describe your work experience outside of your time in the Navy as an Able Seaman.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Before joining the Navy I was working in construction. I enjoyed the hands on aspect of the trades but was looking for something that offered more growth and leadership. I decided to join the Navy as an Able Seaman so that I could continue to use my hands on the job."
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. What experience do you have being an Able Seaman?
How to Answer
Walk the hiring manager through your career as an Able Seaman thus far. Keep it brief and focus on the positive aspects of your time in this role.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I began as an Able Seaman with the Navy in a role where I primarily sailed on auxiliary vessels. More recently, I was promoted to vessels that are navigated through the oceans in the US, including the Great Lakes. In total, I have 18 months experience as an Able Seaman."
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. How do you foresee yourself handling long periods of time at sea?
How to Answer
If you have been at sea for an extended period of time: "The longest I have been at sea was 21 days. It was difficult at times but I kept myself busy and am confident that I could do it again."
If you have not been at sea for an extended period of time: "I have not been at sea for an extended period of time, however; I feel that I could definitely handle it. I am resilient by nature and feel that my Navy training would prepared me well for that type of situation."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The longest I have been at sea was 21 days. It was difficult at times but I kept myself busy and am confident that I could do it again."
Written by Rachelle Enns