Navy Rating · Support
QM Quartermaster
Overview
A Quartermaster performs ship control, navigation, and bridge watch duties while assisting the Officer of the Deck and Navigator or serving as Helmsman. Quartermasters maintain charts and navigational instruments, observe and encode weather data, conduct tactical communications, and render honors and ceremonies.
Core Skills
- maritime navigation and piloting
- use of electronic navigation systems
- chart management and correction
- timekeeping and log keeping
- weather observation and reporting
- visual and audible signaling
- tactical communications procedures
- bridge resource management
- attention to detail and procedural compliance
- situational awareness and risk assessment
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
- Fleet Management
- Project Management
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) · Funded
- National Able Seafarer (A/B)
- General Communications Technician: Level 1 (GCT1) · Funded
Career Growth
- Ship Radar Endorsement
- National 3rd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC
- National First Class Pilot
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 QM. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
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.
Report an error on this page