Join the Coast Guard > Boatswain's Mate (BM)

Boatswain's Mates (BM), the most versatile members of the Coast Guard's operational team, are masters of seamanship. BMs are capable of performing almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat operations, navigation, and supervising all personnel assigned to a ship's deck force. BMs operate hoists, cranes, and winches to load cargo or set gangplanks, stand watch for security, navigation, or communications, and have a general knowledge of ropes and cables, including different uses, stresses, strains, and proper stowing. Types of Duty BMs can be found in nearly every duty station available throughout the United States and various locations overseas. They serve on every Coast Guard cutter, from harbor tugs to sea going icebreakers. Additionally, in many assignments you will act as a federal law enforcement officer. BMs are officers-in-charge of many patrol boats, tugs, small craft, and small shore units including search and rescue stations and aids to navigation teams. BMs utilize their leadership and expertise to perform the missions of the Coast Guard, at sea and on shore. Training Available Training for Boatswain's Mate is accomplished through 12 weeks of intensive training at Yorktown, VA or with on-the-job training through a striker program. Once this training is completed, BMs may go on to other advance training such as Coxswain, Heavy Weather Coxswain, Aids to Navigation Basic and Advanced, Buoy Deck Supervisor, Law Enforcement including fisheries, among others. Qualifications You should have leadership ability, physical strength, good hearing, normal color vision, and a high degree of manual dexterity. School courses taken in algebra, geometry, and shop are helpful. Any experience handling small boats is extremely valuable. Related Civilian Jobs Pier Superintendent Tugboat Crewman Heavy Equipment Operator Marina Supervisor Marina Operator Ship Pilot