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Logistics · Army career profile

88K Watercraft Operator

As a Watercraft Operator, you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft. As part of the piloting team, you’ll train in the basics of seamanship and vessel operations, using electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation devices, and traditional watch standing procedures. You’ll learn boat handling techniques, how to dock and undock vessels, drop and weigh anchor, interpret code signal flags, and send and receive messages via radio, beacon, and signal flag. Since safety is such an important part of this job, you’ll also learn emergency water survival, how to operate lifeboats, shipboard firefighting, and other emergency procedures.

ASVABMM 99
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 6 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsSignificant
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Watercraft Operator, you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft.
  • As part of the piloting team, you’ll train in the basics of seamanship and vessel operations, using electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation devices, and traditional watch standing procedures.
  • You’ll learn boat handling techniques, how to dock and undock vessels, drop and weigh anchor, interpret code signal flags, and send and receive messages via radio, beacon, and signal flag.
  • Since safety is such an important part of this job, you’ll also learn emergency water survival, how to operate lifeboats, shipboard firefighting, and other emergency procedures.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Seamanship & Vessel OperationsElectronics & Navigational SystemsMaintenance & RepairsWorking as a teamAnalyze information and make decisionsInterest in machines and mechanicsInterest in transportation

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 0–9 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (10 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Transportation and Logistics

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 88K experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Ship / Boat Capitan

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Distribution centers, Transportation providers, Manufacturers

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Ship / Boat Capitan jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Motorboat Mechanic

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Distribution centers, Transportation providers, Manufacturers

Credential note: A civilian license, certification, academy, or employer-approved credential may be required.

Search current Motorboat Mechanic jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Marine Engineer

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Distribution centers, Transportation providers, Manufacturers

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Marine Engineer jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related logistics MOS options

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