Boatswains Mate Website Links For
Mate
 

Information About

Boatswains Mate




The United States Navy occupational Rating of Boatswain's Mate (abbreviated as '''BM''') is a designation given by the Bureau of Naval Personnel ( BUPERS ) to enlisted members who "strike" for the rating as a deck seaman.

Boatswain's mates enjoy a normal path of advancement to Chief Warrant Officer and Limited Duty Officer. Candidates must have normal color perception, and no speech impediment. Candidates needn't meet any special citizenship or security requirements.

Boatswain's mates also summon the crew to work by a whistle known as a Boatswain's Call or boatswain's pipe.USNI, 1992,345-353. On the ancient row-galleys, the boatswain used his pipe to "call the stroke."2 Later because its shrill tune could be heard above most of the activity on board, it was used to signal various happenings such as knock-off and the boarding of officials. So essential was this signaling device to the well-being of the ship, that it became a badge of office and honor in the British and American Navies.


U.S. COAST GUARD

The most versatile member of the Coast Guard's operational team is the Boatswain's Mate (BM).3 Boatswain's Mates are masters of Seamanship . BMs are capable of performing almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat operations, Navigation , and supervision of personnel assigned to a ship's Deck Force . BMs have a general knowledge of Ropes And Cables , including different uses, stresses, strains and proper stowing. BMs operate Hoist s, Crane s, and Winche s to load Cargo or set gangplanks, stand watch for Security , Navigation or communications.

Boatswain's Mates 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 seagoing icebreakers. Additionally, in many assignments 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.

Leadership ability, physical strength, good hearing and 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.

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. Upon completion of this training, BMs may go on to attend other advanced training such as Coxswain, Heavy Weather Coxswain, Aids to Navigation Basic and Advanced, Bouy Deck Supervisor, Law Enforcement including fisheries among others.

Related Civilian Jobs include Pier Superintendent, Tugboat Crewman, Heavy Equipment Operator , Marina Supervisor, Marina Operator, and Ship Pilot .


NOTES



REFERENCES



SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS