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Navy NEC · Logistics

W07A Tugmaster

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.

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Overview

A Tugmaster operates YTB and YT tugs during docking, undocking, dry-docking, and cold iron moves, and directs the use of lines and stern tow makeups. The Tugmaster applies navigation and communication procedures, directs the operation and maintenance of engineering plants, deck machinery, firefighting equipment, and other emergency equipment, and moves non-self-propelled yard craft within harbors, bays, and sounds.

Core Skills

  • Head, breast, and power line coordination
  • Dry-docking and cold iron vessel moves
  • Harbor movement of non-self-propelled yard craft
  • Engineering plant and emergency equipment oversight

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.

Tugboat Captain

Operating harbor tugs for docking, undocking, and yard-craft movements transfers directly to civilian tug handling and docking operations.

How to prepare: Assemble an official sea-service transcript or assignment history with vessel tonnage, routes, propulsion power, time underway, and duties for National Maritime Center evaluation; a DD-214 is not acceptable sea-service evidence. Confirm the applicable MMC and towing endorsement requirements, including qualifying sea time, approved training, professional testing, age, citizenship, medical fitness, and drug testing, plus any required TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

What the civilian work involves
  • 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.

Notes & Sources

  • USCG evaluates military sea service for the appropriate endorsement grade, class, and operating limits; normally 60 percent of time onboard counts as equivalent underway service, though vessel operating periods may be evaluated separately.
  • Open-ocean service requires USCG-verified STCW training.
Evidence for this guidance (5 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC W07A

    [1] NEC entry "W07A - Tugmaster"; cached text line 15982; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Head, breast, and power line coordination, Dry-docking and cold iron vessel moves, Harbor movement of non-self-propelled yard craft, Engineering plant and emergency equipment oversight, Tugboat Captain (O*NET 53-5021.00)

  2. O*NET: Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

    [2] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Tugboat Captain (O*NET 53-5021.00)

  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: Tugboat Captain (O*NET 53-5021.00)

  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: Tugboat Captain (O*NET 53-5021.00)

  5. USCG: 46 CFR 11.201 officer-endorsement requirements

    [5] Paragraph (a), official eCFR snapshot September 21, 2026; retrieved September 24

    Supports: Tugboat Captain (O*NET 53-5021.00)

Defense contractor jobs for W07A

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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