Ship Operations

Job Title: Boatswains Mate
Category / Component: Enlisted Both

Overview
Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling, flight deck operations, and maritime security, keeping the fleet ready to sail and fight.

Key Responsibilities
- Stand watch as helmsman, lookout, and Boatswains Mate of the Watch
- Operate small boats and support flight deck and amphibious operations
- Repair and maintain deck equipment and exterior ship surfaces
- Conduct underway replenishment and cargo handling at sea
- Stand security watches in port and underway and participate in naval ceremonies

What to Expect
- Hands on, mostly outdoor work in varied weather and sea conditions
- Frequent watches day and night, at sea and in port, to support ship operations
- High tempo evolutions during replenishments, small boat operations, and flight deck activities
- Close teamwork within the deck department and opportunities to lead junior Sailors as you advance

Work Environment
- Assignments on surface ships and at shore installations in the United States and overseas - Work on decks, piers, small boats, and flight decks across a range of sea states and weather conditions - Operate in a physically demanding maritime environment with strict safety procedures and close team coordination

Pathways, Training & Advancement
- Recruit Training followed by Boatswains Mate A School in Great Lakes, Illinois
- On the job qualification in seamanship, small boat handling, deck operations, and watchstanding
- Advancement based on performance, time in rate, completion of required qualifications, and advancement exams, with historically strong promotion opportunity for qualified Sailors
- Enlist directly as a Boatswains Mate and attend BM A School after Recruit Training, subject to current classification and manning needs.

Qualifications
All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

• Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
• A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelors or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
• Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
• Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
• Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
• Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
• Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
• Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:
- Physical strength and stamina to work safely in an outdoor maritime environment, often with repetitive tasks, ladders, and heavy loads.
- Ability to work well in a team, follow safety procedures, and communicate clearly in a shipboard environment.

Education
Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailors status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Ben