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

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

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 99

Learn more about the ASVAB. 

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
880A Marine Deck Officer

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
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.