Army MOS · Engineering
88L Watercraft Engineer
Overview
Watercraft Engineers supervise or perform unit, direct support, and general support maintenance. They also service Army watercraft, amphibians, and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.
Core Skills
- preventive and corrective maintenance
- technical troubleshooting
- reading technical manuals and schematics
- maintenance management and scheduling
- equipment readiness tracking
- safety and compliance procedures
- documentation and maintenance records
- basic electrical and mechanical diagnostics
- inventory and parts management
- team supervision and task delegation
Civilian Software & Tools
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Fleet Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- National Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED)
- Able Seafarer-Engine · Funded · Promotion points
- Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch · Funded · Promotion points
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) · Funded · Promotion points
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) · Funded · Promotion points
Career Growth
- National Designated Duty Engineer Steam/Motor/GT
- STCW: Advanced Firefighting · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- STCW Medical First Aid Provider / PIC of Medical Care · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- National 1st Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National 2nd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
Also Common
- National 3rd Assistant Engineer Steam/Motor/Gas Turbine
- National Assistant Engineer (Limited) Steam/Motor/GT
What the Work Involves
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
Related Occupations
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 88L. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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