ABOUT Boatswain’s Mates (BMs) are among the Navy’s most historic and respected ratings. As the backbone of a ship’s deck department, BMs lead and support daily seamanship operations, maintain ship surfaces and equipment, operate small boats, and take part in critical missions such as Anti-Terrorism Operations and Maritime Interdiction boardings. Responsibilities BMs perform a wide range of seamanship and deck duties, including: Standing watch as helmsman, lookout, and Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch. Repairing, maintaining, and stowing deck equipment for underway operations. Serving as Search and Rescue swimmers. Standing security watches both in port and at sea. Operating sound-powered communication systems. Participating in naval ceremonies and shipboard evolutions. Conducting underway replenishment between ships at sea. Operating small boats and supporting flight deck and amphibious operations. Taking command of tugs, barges, and other small craft. Supervising deck crews in cleaning, painting, and maintaining ship surfaces and equipment. Directing boat crews during landing and rescue operations. Teaching seamanship and assisting with helicopter operations on the flight deck. What to Expect This is a hands-on, physically active role. Most duties take place outdoors alongside a tightly coordinated team. Work Environment Over a 20-year career, BMs typically spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent at shore stations. Work environments are often outdoors and involve physical labor, teamwork, and participation in shipboard operations. Training & Advancement After Recruit Training, BMs attend a four-week “A” School in Great Lakes, IL, where they learn seamanship fundamentals, general safety, watch standing, preventive maintenance, and underway replenishment procedures. Some BMs may receive additional amphibious training based on future assignments. Promotion opportunities are generally above average for this rating. Education Opportunities College credits through the American Council on Education Degree opportunities through the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) Qualifications Ability to work well with others and communicate clearly Good memory, curiosity, physical strength, and manual dexterity Ability to perform repetitive tasks Strong teamwork skills and resourcefulness Benefits Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan
