Navy Rating · Support
BM Boatswain's Mate
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.
Core Skills
- Operations supervision and crew leadership
- Safety management and compliance
- Equipment operation and basic maintenance
- Logistics coordination and deck operations planning
- Training and on-the-job instruction
- Checklist and SOP execution
- Risk assessment in dynamic environments
- Documentation and record keeping
- Communication and teamwork in high-risk operations
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
- Warehouse Operations
- Facilities Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) · Funded
- National Able Seafarer (A/B)
- Signal Person (NCCER)
Career Growth
- National 3rd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) · Funded
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) · Funded
- Corrosion Specialist Certification · Funded
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.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into BM. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
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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