Description
Boatswain’s Mate (BM) are masters of seamanship and capable of performing almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat operations, navigation, law enforcement, aids to navigation, and supervising all personnel assigned to a ship’s work force or small boat station. BM is also the only rating that has command of cutters and stations outside of the officer corps. BMs operate hoists, cranes, and winches to load cargo or set gangplanks, stand watch for security, navigation, or communications, and have a general knowledge of ropes and cables, including different uses, stresses, strains, and proper stowing. Training for Boatswain’s Mate is accomplished through 14 weeks of intensive training at BM "A" School located at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, VA.
Core Skills
- team leadership and supervision
- operations and watchstanding
- risk assessment and safety procedures
- incident and emergency response
- basic navigation and communications
- equipment operation and basic maintenance
- training and coaching junior personnel
- documentation and reporting
- customer and stakeholder interaction
- time management
- basic computer and office software use
Common Certifications
- Certified Manager (CM)
- Certified Port Executive (CPE)
- Certified Maritime Manager (CMM)
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)
Civilian Career Paths
- TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
- FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- ADMINISTRATION
Defense contractor jobs for BM
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Coast Guard 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.