A seaman is a sailor, someone who works aboard a ship at sea. Seamen have been essential throughout history, operating the vessels that carried explorers to new continents, merchants across trade routes, and navies into battle. On a sailing ship, seamen climbed the rigging to adjust sails, steered the vessel through storms, and kept watch for dangers. Modern seamen still perform crucial work on cargo ships, fishing boats, research vessels, and military ships, though their tasks now include operating sophisticated navigation equipment and maintaining engines.

In navies and merchant fleets, seaman is also a specific rank, usually an entry-level position for sailors still learning their trade. An able seaman or able-bodied seaman has more experience and can handle most tasks without supervision.

Being a seaman requires courage and skill: living for weeks or months at sea, working in dangerous conditions, and mastering the technical knowledge needed to keep a ship running safely. When someone proves themselves a capable seaman, they've earned respect in one of humanity's oldest and most demanding professions.