Boatswain Mate responsibilities in the military?

Can someone break down what the responsibilities of a Boatswain Mate in the military are? I'd love to know more about their day-to-day tasks and if it requires any specific training or qualifications.

A Boatswain's Mate, often abbreviated as BM, is an extremely versatile role in the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of the ship's deck equipment.

Some specific duties include:

- Managing shipboard operations: BMs typically maintain and take care of decks, deck equipment, and boats. They're typically in charge of tasks related to launching and recovering boats.

- Navigation: They're also part of the team that assists officers in navigation and ship steering. This might involve reading the ship's compass and relaying directions during a journey.

- Man overboard rescue: In an emergency situation, like a man overboard, a Boatswain's mate helps coordinate the recovery process.

- Security duties: BMs often stand security watches while in port or at sea, maintaining vigilance for any possible threats to the ship or crew.

In terms of specific training and qualifications, after completing basic training, aspiring Navy Boatswain's Mates attend a course in Great Lakes, Illinois, which is 5 weeks, and those in the Coast Guard complete a similar course in Yorktown, VA, which lasts 14 weeks. These courses provide instruction on general boat operation, maintenance skills, sea navigation, and other associated deck skills.

No specific academic qualifications are required to become a Boatswain's Mate, but a high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required for enlisting in the military in general. Aptitude in trades such as mechanics can be beneficial. It's also worth noting that the job can be physically demanding, so sound physical fitness is a considerable advantage.