Navy NEC · Logistics

W13A Quartermaster Journeyman

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating. Part of the Quartermaster rating

Overview

A Quartermaster Journeyman serves as the Navigator's direct representative and provides a continuous navigational watch on the bridge. The journeyman assists with navigating the ship, reports discrepancies to designated personnel, and maintains legal records, logs, weather observations, and fix information.

Core Skills

  • bridge watchstanding
  • nautical chart navigation
  • position fixing
  • dead reckoning
  • weather observation
  • navigation log maintenance
  • visual bearing collection
  • maritime radio communication
  • navigation discrepancy reporting

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
  • Administration

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
  • STCW Basic Training
  • Radar Observer Unlimited
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit

Career Growth

  • Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Operator
  • Able Seaman - Special or Unlimited
  • STCW: Advanced Firefighting

Also Common

  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

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.

Defense contractor jobs for W13A

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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