Military Quartermasters and Boat Operators
Military Career
General Information
Description
Quartermasters and boat operators focus on small boat safety, handling, operation, navigation, communications, and maintenance. They supervise the embarking and disembarking of troops from the vessel, establish and enforce safety procedures, oversee deck maintenance, and supervise maintenance of life saving equipment.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Quartermasters and boat operators work aboard all types of boats and in all types of weather conditions. When not piloting boats, they may work on or below deck repairing boats and equipment or overseeing cargo storage. When ashore, they may work in offices that make nautical maps or in harbor management offices. Some boats are operated in combat situations.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Quartermasters and Boat Operators in the Military
13,529
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$63,654
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,740 - $291,238
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 39%
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Less than high school 34%
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Bachelor's degree 13%
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Some college 8%
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Post-secondary certificate 2%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Quartermasters and boat operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training topics relate to boat operations, and may include: Boat handling techniquesLog and message-handling proceduresUse of compasses, radar, charts, and other navigational aidsNavigational mathematicsStanding-watch proceduresShip structureLog and message-handling procedures
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- English Language
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