Able-bodied seaman

Also called able-bodied seaman. an experienced deck-department seaman qualified to perform routine sea duties.
(in the British Navy and on British and U.S. merchant ships) a rating between ordinary seaman and leading seaman or boatswain’s mate.
Abbreviation: A.B., AB.
Historical Examples

As a result I got my rate as able-bodied seaman when I was fifteen.
Over the Seas for Uncle Sam Elaine Sterne

One able-bodied seaman, busied with between-decks blubber, proved to be a medical man with degrees from two colleges.
The New North Agnes Deans Cameron

They found that the pay of an able-bodied seaman in the British navy had lately been raised from 26s.
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. II (of 16) Thomas Hart Benton

But a little, able-bodied seaman, six weeks ago at Kiel, gave him a thrashing in a Bierhalle till he wept.
The Secret Service Submarine Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull

The able-bodied seaman goes to sea all his life, but he never gets any nearer navigating the ship—and he a white man.
With Edged Tools Henry Seton Merriman

He received consignments of food; short rations they would be, he judged, for an able-bodied seaman.
The Stolen Singer Martha Idell Fletcher Bellinger

His experience in the fishing boats was useful to him now, and he was soon able to do his work as an able-bodied seaman.
With Wolfe in Canada G. A. Henty

noun
an ordinary seaman, esp one in the merchant navy, who has been trained in certain skills Also able seaman Abbreviation AB, a.b.