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Navy NEC · Combat & Infantry

O50A Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) Candidate

Current service use not established

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

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating. Part of the Special Warfare Boat Operator rating

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Overview

A Special Warfare Boat Operator Candidate trains as a Special Warfare Combat Crewman in the basic operation and maintenance of various Special Warfare Combatant Craft. The candidate trains at the Naval Special Warfare Center and operates in coastal, riverine, and other restricted water areas.

Core Skills

  • Coastal and riverine craft operation training
  • Basic combatant craft maintenance training

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.

Motorboat Operators

Student training in basic combatant craft operation in coastal, riverine, and restricted waters overlaps with civilian motorboat handling.

How to prepare: Use the National Maritime Center checklist for the intended vessel work to identify the applicable credential and sea-service requirements. Most water transportation jobs require a TWIC and a Merchant Mariner Credential with appropriate endorsements.

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
  • Echo sounder software

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Basic combatant craft maintenance training provides a starting point for learning civilian motorboat servicing.

How to prepare: Seek supervised marine-service training focused on routine engine maintenance and diagnosing motor performance problems.

What the civilian work involves
  • Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
  • Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
  • Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • Engine diagnostic scanners

Notes & Sources

  • O50A records student status, not completed SWCC qualification or demonstrated independent boat-operation or repair proficiency.
  • Military sea-service credit requires Coast Guard evaluation of an official sea-service transcript or assignment history and vessel, underway-time, and duty details; a DD-214 alone is not acceptable evidence.
Evidence for this guidance (6 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC O50A

    [1] NEC entry "O50A - Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) Candidate"; cached text line 9658; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Coastal and riverine craft operation training, Basic combatant craft maintenance training, Motorboat Operators (O*NET 53-5022.00), Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3051.00)

  2. O*NET: Motorboat Operators

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

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

  3. USCG National Maritime Center: Apply for Merchant Mariner Credential

    [3] Original, Raise of Grade, and STCW application steps; public page retrieved through Jina Reader 2026-09-23

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

  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Water Transportation Workers

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

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

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

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

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

  6. O*NET: Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

    [6] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3051.00)

Defense contractor jobs for O50A

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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