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Navy Rating · Support

BM Boatswain's Mate

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

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Overview

A Boatswain's Mate conducts and supervises ship handling, anchoring, mooring, towing, small boat operations, and underway replenishment. Boatswain's Mates also manage deck seamanship, rigging, cargo handling, lifesaving equipment, flight deck and crane operations, preservation work, and related maintenance.

Minimum ASVAB: VE+AR+MK+AS 163 or MK+AS+AO 126

ASVAB policy: Not policy-reviewed · coverage unknown · as of 2026-10-19

Program scope has not been reviewed.

Policy applicability and coverage of the program's score routes have not been reviewed. Shown-route arithmetic is not an eligibility decision.

Source: milpersman-1306-618-rating-list-2026-04 (source date 2026-04). Policy applicability has not been established.

See if you would hit this score: free ASVAB practice test

Core Skills

  • Anchoring, mooring, and towing line handling
  • Cargo rigging and underway replenishment
  • Small boat and amphibious operations
  • Deck preservation and seamanship equipment maintenance

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

Sailors and Marine Oilers

BM mooring, towing, rigging, and deck maintenance experience directly supports the deck-side work within this occupation.

How to prepare: Request an official sea-service transcript and assemble vessel and duty details for Coast Guard evaluation of an appropriate deck endorsement.

What the civilian work involves
  • Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
  • Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Motorboat Operators

BM small boat operations, ship handling, and mooring experience overlap directly with operating and securing motorboats.

How to prepare: Use the National Maritime Center's requirements to identify the credential and endorsements applicable to your intended boat service before choosing an approved course. Operator roles typically require several years of sea time.

What the civilian work involves
  • Operate engine throttles and steering mechanisms to guide boats on desired courses.
  • Secure boats to docks with mooring lines, and cast off lines to enable departure.
  • Maintain desired courses, using compasses or electronic navigational aids.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Radar software

Notes & Sources

  • Most water transportation jobs require a TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential and a Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with applicable endorsements; screening, approved training, and written or physical examinations may apply.
  • Open-ocean service requires USCG-verified STCW training.
  • The Coast Guard evaluates military sea service for the appropriate endorsement. A DD-214 is not acceptable sea-service evidence; submit an official transcript or assignment history plus vessel tonnage, routes, propulsion power, underway time, and assigned duties.
Evidence for this guidance (5 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol I (NEOCS, Jan 2026 edition): BOATSWAIN’S MATE (BM)

    [1] Rating chapter "SCOPE OF RATING"; cached text line 17666; NAVPERS 18068F Vol I, 2026-01 edition

    Supports: Anchoring, mooring, and towing line handling, Cargo rigging and underway replenishment, Small boat and amphibious operations, Deck preservation and seamanship equipment maintenance, Sailors and Marine Oilers (O*NET 53-5011.00), Motorboat Operators (O*NET 53-5022.00)

  2. O*NET: Sailors and Marine Oilers

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Sailors and Marine Oilers (O*NET 53-5011.00)

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Water Transportation Workers

    [3] How to Become; training, licenses and related experience; updated August 27, 2026, checked September 23, 2026

    Supports: Sailors and Marine Oilers (O*NET 53-5011.00), Motorboat Operators (O*NET 53-5022.00)

  4. USCG: 46 CFR 10.232 military sea-service evidence and credit

    [4] Paragraphs (a) and (d)(1), official eCFR snapshot September 21, 2026; retrieved September 24

    Supports: Sailors and Marine Oilers (O*NET 53-5011.00), Motorboat Operators (O*NET 53-5022.00)

  5. O*NET: Motorboat Operators

    [5] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Motorboat Operators (O*NET 53-5022.00)

Defense contractor jobs for BM

Predecessor codes

Historical codes with documented links to BM. Each history page explains the change.

COXCoxswain

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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