Boatswain's Mate (BM)

Boatswain's mate (United States Navy) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from Boatswain's Mate (US Navy) ) Boatswain's mate Rating insignia Issued by: United States Navy Type Enlisted rating Abbreviation BM Specialty Deck 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 are rated or "striking" for the rating as a deck seaman. The colloquial form of address for a boatswain's mate is 'Boats'. The rating of Boatswain's Mate dates from the American Revolutionary War and is one of the oldest U.S. Navy rates still in continuous existence. Contents 1 Job description 2 Ship's boatswain 3 Background 3.1 Origins in the Royal Navy 4 Notable boatswains 5 Notes 6 See also 7 References 8 External links Job description Navy Enlisted Classification / rank comparison [ 1 ] Rate Title Rank BMCM Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Master Chief Petty Officer BMCS Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer BMC Chief Boatswain's Mate Chief Petty Officer BM1 Boatswain's Mate First Class Petty Officer First Class BM2 Boatswain's Mate Second Class Petty Officer Second Class BM3 Boatswain's Mate Third Class Petty Officer Third Class Boatswain's mates train, direct, and supervise personnel in ship's maintenance duties in all activities relating to marlinspike , deck, boat seamanship , painting, upkeep of ship's external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and boats. [ 2 ] Boatswain's mates take charge of working parties; perform seamanship tasks; act as petty officer-in-charge of picketboats, self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district craft. [ 2 ] They serve in, or take charge of damage control parties. [ 2 ] BM's also operate and maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores. [ 2 ] BMs take charge of and supervise UNREP (Underway Replenishment) procedures and equipment. They are integral to ship's navigation and serve as ship's Helmsman and the ship's Lee Helmsman. In addition they also serve as RHIB (Rigid-hulled inflatable boat) coxswains. Boatswain's mates enjoy a normal path of advancement to Chief Warrant Officer and Limited Duty Officer. [ 2 ] Candidates must have normal color perception, and no speech impediment . [ 2 ] Candidates need not meet any special citizenship or security requirements. [ 2 ] Boatswain's mates also stand watch on ship's bridges, passing information relating to routine and special activities to the crew with the distinctive boatswain's call or boatswain's pipe. [ 3 ] On the ancient row-galleys, the boatswain used his pipe to "call the stroke." [ 4 ] 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. [ 4 ] 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. [ 4 ] Boatswain's mates duties cover a large spectrum and range widely depending on the capacity and mission of the vessel or shore installation to which BMs are assigned. They act as landing signalmen enlisted (LSE, guiding helicopters to the designated flight deck of a ship) on air-capable ships. They act as or supervise lookouts of Navy ships, searching the sea for enemy vessels and hazards to navigation. They conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and can respond to other military and civilian ships that request assistance. Ashore, they provide armed security for either their assigned vessel or for their assigned Naval installation. Boatswains' mates are also a source rating for the Navy's mobile amphibious community. These duties include assault boat coxswain and Craftmaster, navigating specialized assault or working vessels during amphibious operations, salvage work, or inshore work. They are also a recognized source rating for the U.S. Navy's Special Warfare and Special Operations communities. Should a Boatswain's Mate meet eligibility requirements, he can elect to become an SO (formerly SEAL ), SB (formerly SWCC ), an ND ( Navy Diver ), or EOD ( Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician ). ND and EOD are currently the only special communities open to both men and women. Note: The Boatswain's mate is said to be one of the three oldest professions in the U.S Navy, along with Quartermasters (responsible for safe navigation, shiphandling, and chart/record maintenance), and Masters-at-Arms (responsible for maintaining order and enforcing regulations among a ship's crew or the complement of a shore installation). Ship's boatswain In the U.S. Navy the ship's boatswain is an officer who assists the first lieutenant by supervising the deck force in the execution of major seamanship functions and the maintenance of topside gear. [ 5 ] The ship's boatswain supervises cargo handling [ 5 ] and inspects and maintains rigging and deck gea