Could they be in charge of boats up to this size?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/72/Uscg47mlb.jpg
Or is it mostly smaller craft?
2007-05-17 03:41:55 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A good Boatswain can handle any type of water craft. I operated all from a 10' punt to a 75' PPR. My last command I ran 27' deep V twin diesel twin screw outboards. A blast I might add. "We aint good and we aint great but only God can make a Boatswain mate"
2007-05-17 05:20:33 · answer #1 · answered by Boomrat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay... all BOATS handled by Boatswains Mates or Machinist Mates. This position is called a "Coxswain", it is not a RANK, but a title.
"Boats" are traditionally defined as vessels less than 20 meters (65 feet) in length.
What you've pictured is a 47ft MLB (Motor Life Boat) of the US Coast Guard... which is ALWAYS commanded by a senior enlisted: Petty Officer 1st Class (E-6) or Chief Petty Officer (E-7).
A SHIP has an officer in command... and though all hold the TITLE of "Captain", not ALL are of the RANK of "Captain". In the US Navy, Frigates and Destroyers of often commanded by Lieutenant Commanders (O-4) or Commanders (O-5).
2007-05-17 12:02:27 · answer #2 · answered by mariner31 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boatswain's Mates aren't the ones in charge of ships. They are the ones who keep everything running. In the modern Navy they are a sort of Jack of All Trades and know a little bit about every job on the ship so they can step in and get things going if there is a problem. Coxswains are in charge of small craft. Actual ships are run by "captains". In the civilian world this is just an experienced sailor. In the Navy a Captain is a rank equivalent to Colonel and typically this is the rank when a Naval officer will take over a major ship. Even when a lower ranking officer is in charge of the ship he is often called Captain or skipper, by tradition.
2007-05-17 10:54:24 · answer #3 · answered by New Dog Owner 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A boatswain's mate in the Navy or Coast Guard is typically not in charge of a boat. Their job is to handle all the deck jobs, like handling lines, mooring the boat, painting and cleaning (lots of painting and cleaning), painting and cleaning and painting and cleaning. Did I mention painting and cleaning?
2007-05-17 10:56:51 · answer #4 · answered by Trav 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋