Navy Boatswain’s Mate (BM): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate (BM) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

The crossed anchors mean something in the Navy. They represent tradition, skill, and pride—and Boatswain’s Mates wear them with honor.

BMs are the workhorses of the fleet, handling everything from standing watch to search and rescue.

They tie lines, drive small boats, operate deck gear, and keep the ship mission-ready. Whether at sea or onshore, they’re always in the action.

This job is hands-on, fast-paced, and full of adventure. Ready to earn your anchors?

Job Description

navy-bm-insignia
BM Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Boatswain’s Mates (BM) are Navy enlisted Sailors who conduct, direct, supervise, and train various operations and tasks, such as ship handling, boat operations, cargo handling, equipment maintenance, and administration.

People call them “Bos’n.” They work everywhere—ships, shore bases, wherever they’re needed. The job? Physical, outdoors, and nonstop.

It’s not all at sea either. There are shore assignments too.

And promotions? Plenty of chances, if you put in the work.

Fun Fact: Boatswain’s Mate is one of the oldest enlisted jobs in the U.S. Navy.

What BMs Actually Do

BMs keep the ship running—fixing gear, running operations, training the crew. A little of everything.

  • Watchstanding – Lookout duty or running the deck as BM of the Watch.
  • Maintenance & Repairs – Ropes, gear, storage—if it’s on deck, BMs handle it.
  • Training the Crew – Teaching seamanship, keeping maintenance teams on task.
  • Search & Rescue – Jumping in when someone needs saving.
  • Ship Comms – Running sound-powered phones, keeping teams connected.
  • Emergency Response – Damage control, security alerts, anything urgent.
  • Navy Ceremonies – Taking part in ship traditions.
  • Cargo Transfers – Moving supplies from ship to ship while underway.
  • Small Boat Ops – Running tugs, landing craft, and other watercraft.
  • Flight Deck Support – Helping with helicopters, amphibious ops.
  • Deck Crew Leadership – Overseeing cleaning, painting, and general upkeep.
  • Rescue Missions – Leading boat crews in landing and recovery.

BMs do the hard work that keeps the Navy moving. Ships don’t run without them. Decks don’t stay ready without them. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and full of tradition.

Different Roles

Ship doesn’t move without the deck crew. They handle maintenance, navigation, cargo, small boats, and emergency response. Some train. Some lead. All work hard.

Able Seaman – The All-Purpose Deckhand

Gets the job done. Works all over the ship doing hands-on tasks.

  • Preps and paints metal and wood surfaces. Keeps the ship looking sharp.
  • Handles deck gear. Operates small boats, cranes, and cargo equipment.
  • Loads supplies at sea. Rigs cargo gear, directs winch and crane ops.
  • Responds to emergencies. Helps repair parties during damage control.
  • Trains junior crew. Teaches helicopter deck operations—chock and chain, landing signals.

Ordinary Seaman – Learning the Basics

New to the job. Watches, listens, learns.

  • Maintains decks and equipment. Cleaning, painting, general upkeep.
  • Stands deck watch. Keeps lookout, assists with navigation.
  • Runs small boats. Helps with amphibious operations.
  • Assists in emergencies. Works with repair teams when things go wrong.

Ships and Boats Mate – The Supervisor

Doesn’t just work—leads. Trains the crew. Keeps operations smooth.

  • Oversees deck machinery. Tugs, cranes, emergency gear—it all runs under their watch.
  • Manages tug and harbor operations. Moves yard craft, docks and undocks ships.
  • Handles rescue ops. Helps with sea/air rescues, coordinates aircraft landings.
  • Trains and enforces standards. Safety, leadership, Navy traditions—it all gets passed down.

From painting decks to directing ship movements, these Sailors do it all. Nothing moves without them.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Boatswain’s Mate Third ClassBM3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Boatswain’s Mate Second ClassBM2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Boatswain’s Mate First ClassBM1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Boatswain’s MateBMCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Boatswain’s MateBMCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Boatswain’s MateBMCMMaster Chief Petty Officer
Navy-BM-Rating-Boatswains-Mate-Image-704X396

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

PaygradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.

Training and Career Opportunities

After Boot Camp in Great Lakes, new Boatswain’s Mates (BMs) head straight into “A” School for hands-on training in deck seamanship, safety, and ship operations.

Boatswain’s Mate “A” School

  • Location: Great Lakes, IL
  • Duration: ~5-6 weeks
  • What You Learn:
    • Basic seamanship – Knots, lines, and deck operations
    • Watchstanding – Standing duty and keeping the ship secure
    • Underway replenishment – Transferring supplies between ships at sea
    • Preventive maintenance – Keeping deck gear in working order

After “A” School, some BMs get additional amphibious training, depending on their assignments. From there, they report to fleet units or shore stations to start real-world work.

Career Path & Advancement

  • 60% of a career is spent on ships, handling deck operations.
  • 40% is at shore stations, working in ports, harbors, and training commands.
  • Promotion opportunities depend on performance—work hard, move up.
  • Advanced training is available later, with chances to specialize.

After the Navy: Civilian Careers

The skills learned as a BM carry over into civilian jobs, including:

  • Occupational safety & maintenance – Shipyards, docks, and industrial sites.
  • Motorboat operation – Ferries, tugboats, and small craft work.
  • Maritime logistics – Cargo handling and port operations.

BMs keep the Navy moving—and when their service ends, those skills translate to real-world careers.

Qualifications to Join

In order to become an Enlisted Sailor and pursue a career as a Boatswain’s Mate (BM), it is necessary to have a high-school diploma or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance.

This job’s hands-on, physical, and team-driven. You need to be ready to work, take orders, and keep the ship running.

Basic Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent – No diploma, no deal.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen – No exceptions.
  • Security clearance required – Gotta qualify.

ASVAB Score Needed

  • AR + AS + MK + VE = 175
  • OR AS + MK + AO = 135

What Makes a Good BM?

  • Can speak clearly. Orders need to be given and understood fast.
  • Works well with a team. Ship life is all about teamwork.
  • Physically strong. Heavy lifting, tough tasks—this isn’t a desk job.
  • Good with hands. Tying lines, running deck gear, operating small boats.
  • Resourceful. Things break. Plans change. You gotta adapt.

Who’s This Job For?

If you like being active, working outside, and getting things done, this is the rating for you. The ship doesn’t run without BMs.

The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.

So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Boatswain’s Mate (BM), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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