Watercraft Operator

Overview

Watercraft Operators are primarily responsible for navigation, cargo operations and supervising other Soldiers on Army National Guard watercraft. They are part of a piloting team using electronic positioning systems, hand-held navigation tools and traditional watch-standing procedures aboard many of the Army National Guard's watercraft.

Job duties

• Dock and undock vessels
• Send and receive messages with radios, beacons and signal flags
• Operate and maintain lifeboats and vessel firefighting equipment
• Secure all types of cargo using shipboard machinery such as capstans, winches, hoists and davits

Training

Job training for a Watercraft Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field. Advanced Individual Training: 6 weeks at Fort Eustis, VA Some of the skills you'll learn are: Boat-handling techniques Watch-standing procedures Use of communications, electronics and navigational systems Ship structure Log and message-handling procedures Navigational mathematics

Required ASVAB score

Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 99 Learn more about the ASVAB .

Helpful skills

• Interest in the ocean, sailing and navigation
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Basic understanding of maps and trip planning
• Understanding of mathematical formulas

Civilian career relevance

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in shipping or on a cruise ship, tugboat or ferry operation. You'll be able to consider a future as a pilot, harbormaster or marine resource enforcement officer.