Description
Commands Army watercraft vessels on oceans, bays, sounds, lakes, and coastal waters; is responsible for proper operation and safety of the vessel including discipline of the crew and seaworthiness of the vessel; must know maritime law and have a working knowledge of international and inland rules of the road; is proficient in seamanship and ship handling; operates all deck machinery and equipment, including ground tackle, cargo gear, lifeboat, raft, fire fighting and lifesaving equipment, emergency steering, and damage control systems; qualified to control destination of vessel using all navigational aids, including electronic equipment (radio direction finders, radar, Loran-C, SATNAV, GPS, and fathometers); conducts radio and visual communication with government and commercial vessels and shore stations, including flashing light, semaphore, and flag-hoist signaling using international procedures when required; knows cargo planning, stowage procedures, and techniques of loading and securing cargo to ensure seaworthiness; is proficient in celestial navigation; uses navigational aids, including charts, compasses, sextants, lighthouse, and light buoys both at sea and when approaching shore; hold qualifying license for command position, validated by the Marine Qualification Board of the Army; if holding a masters license, must also have radar operation qualifications; may also serve as a nautical science instructor.
Core Skills
- Vessel operations and navigation
- Maritime safety and risk management
- Crew leadership and supervision
- Emergency response and incident management
- Cargo and deck operations management
- Regulatory compliance (maritime law and rules of the road)
- Use of navigation and communication systems
- Logistics and movement planning
- Maintenance oversight and inspections
- Operational reporting and documentation
- Training and mentoring of crew
- Decision-making under pressure
Common Certifications
- Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- OSHA 30-Hour Maritime
Civilian Career Paths
- TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
- FLEET MANAGEMENT
- SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Defense contractor jobs for 880A
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Army publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.