What is the Difference between an AB special and AB unlimited? What’s is the advantage for and employer to hire an AB unlimited over and AB special?
360 days versus 1080 days is the most apparent difference in terms of sea time experience requirements. One will not get you hired over the other unless the vessel in question requires and AB unlimited. Then obviously, you need that one.
See 46 USC 7312. AB-Specials cannot be more than 50% of the total ABs on a vessel over 500 GRT. For that reason, many companies with vessels over 500 GRT will not want to hire an AB-Special.
1 Like