Watercraft Operator (88K)

Watercraft operators are primarily responsible for navigation, cargo operations and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft. They are part of a piloting team using electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation tools and traditional watch standing procedures aboard many of the Army’s watercraft.

https://www.goarmy.com/info.html?iom=APG7
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 type of cargo using shipboard machineries such as capstans, winches, hoists, and davits

Requirements:

• Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

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 instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Boat handling techniques
• Standing-watch procedures
• Use of communications, electronics and navigational systems
• Ship structure
• Log and message-handling procedures
• Navigational mathematics