Coast Guard Rating · Engineering
FN Fireman
Overview
A Fireman stands engineering watches and cleans, paints, and preserves engineering spaces and equipment. The Fireman performs minor maintenance and repairs on engineering equipment, operates tools and test equipment, records gage readings, and reads and uses engineering drawings.
Core Skills
- engineering watchstanding
- machinery space monitoring
- gauge reading
- preventive maintenance
- minor mechanical repairs
- tool and test equipment use
- technical drawing interpretation
- equipment preservation
- maintenance recordkeeping
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- KNMI TurboWin
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Facilities Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- EPA Section 608 Technician Certification
- ABYC Marine Systems Certification
Career Growth
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
- NCCER Industrial Maintenance Technician
- ASE Truck Equipment Certification (E Series)
What the Work Involves
- Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
- Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
- Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
- Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
- Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
Related Occupations
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Ship Engineers
- Riggers
- Motorboat Operators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
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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