About Boatswains Mates (BMs), the oldest rate in the Navy, have a rich history of honored traditions. BMs are the leaders and backbone of every ships crew. They maintain the exterior surfaces of ships, deck handling machinery, and equipment, handle cargo, and operate small boats during various evolutions, including Anti-Terrorism Operations and Maritime Interdiction boardings of suspect ships.

Responsibilities Standing watch as helmsman, lookouts, and Boatswain Mate of the Watch. Repairing, maintaining, and stowing equipment in preparation for underway operations. Serving as Search and Rescue swimmers. Standing security watches while in port and underway. Operating sound-powered telephone systems. Participating in naval ceremonies. Conducting underway replenishment (transferring supplies from ship to ship at sea). Operating small boats and performing flight deck and amphibious operations. Taking command of tugs, barges, and other small craft. Supervising deck crew in cleaning, painting, and maintaining ships and their equipment. Directing boat crews in landing and rescue operations. Teaching seamanship and serving as flight deck crew during helicopter operations.

What to Expect Boatswains Mates perform most of their duties outdoors, working closely with others. The majority of their work is physical in nature.

Work Environment BMs spend about 60% of their time assigned to fleet units and 40% assigned to shore stations over a 20-year career. They often work in outdoor environments, which can be physically demanding and involve teamwork.

Training & Advancement Upon completion of Recruit Training, BMs attend a four-week A school in Great Lakes, IL, where they learn basic general safety, watch standing, deck seamanship, underway replenishment, and preventive maintenance. Selected BMs may receive additional amphibious training depending on future assignments. Promotion opportunities are above average compared to other Navy ratings.

Education Opportunities BMs can earn college credits through the American Council on Education for courses taken in this rating. Additionally, the United States Naval Community College (USNCC) offers degree programs that support professional development and educational advancement.

Qualifications & Requirements To qualify as a BM, individuals should: Be able to get along well with others and speak clearly and distinctly. Have resourcefulness, a good memory, curiosity, physical strength, manual dexterity, and the ability to work as a team member. Be capable of performing repetitive tasks.

Benefits Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Required qualifications: 18 years or older Legally authorized to work in the United States Required Preferred Job Industries Government & Military