Boatswain's Mate

About

Boatswains Mates have a rich history of honored traditions. They maintain ships' exterior surfaces, handle cargo, operate small boats during various evolutions, including Anti-Terrorism Operations and Maritime Interdiction boardings of suspect ships.

Responsibilities

Standing watch as helmsman, lookouts, and Boatswain Mate of the Watch. Repairing, maintaining, and stowing equipment in preparation for underway operations. Serving as Search and Rescue swimmers. Standing security watches while in port and underway. Operating sound-powered telephone systems. Participating in naval ceremonies. Conducting underway replenishment (transferring supplies from ship to ship at sea). Operating small boats and performing flight deck and amphibious operations. Taking command of tugs, barges, and other small craft. Supervising deck crew in cleaning, painting, and maintaining ships and their equipment. Directing boat crews in landing and rescue operations. Teaching seamanship and serving as flight deck crew during helicopter operations.

What to Expect

Boatswains Mates perform most of their duties outdoors, working closely with others. The majority of their work is physical in nature.

Work Environment

BMs spend about 60% of their time assigned to fleet units and 40% assigned to shore stations over a 20-year career. They often work in outdoor environments, which can be physically demanding and involve teamwork.

Training & Advancement

Upon completion of Recruit Training, BMs attend a four-week A school in Great Lakes, IL, where they learn basic general safety, watch standing, deck seamanship, underway replenishment, and preventive maintenance. Selected BMs may receive additional amphibious training depending on future assignments. Promotion opportunities are above average compared to other Navy ratings.

Education Opportunities

BMs can earn college credits through the American Council on Education for courses taken in this rating. Additionally, the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) offers degree programs that support professional development and educational advancement.

Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify as a BM, individuals should: Be able to get along well with others and speak clearly and distinctly. Have resourcefulness, a good memory, curiosity, physical strength, manual dexterity, and the ability to work as a team member. xrczosw Be capable of performing repetitive tasks.