Coast Guard Rating · Support
BOSN Boatswain
Overview
A Boatswain serves as a technical expert for the deck department, leads operations, advises commissioned officers, and makes management decisions. The officer manages personnel records and training programs, acts as a liaison between executive management and lower-level personnel, and may command a Coast Guard vessel, unit, or station.
Core Skills
- operations management
- team leadership and supervision
- risk assessment and safety management
- resource and asset management
- training and mentoring
- project and task management
- standard operating procedure development
- incident and emergency response coordination
- cross-functional coordination
- documentation and reporting
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office software
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk Revit
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Civilian Career Paths
- Transportation Management
- Facilities Management
- Project Management
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- API 571 Corrosion and Materials
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) · Funded
- Certified Equipment Manager (CEM)
- Certified Equipment Support Professional (CESP)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) · Funded
Career Growth
- Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) · Funded
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) · Funded
- GMDSS Radio Maintainer License (DM)
- GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO)
- Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP)
What the Work Involves
- Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
- Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
- Serve as a vessel's docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.
- Consult maps, charts, weather reports, or navigation equipment to determine and direct ship movements.
- Steer and operate vessels, using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys, or lighthouses.
Related Occupations
- Sailors and Marine Oilers
- Motorboat Operators
- Ship Engineers
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
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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