Coast Guard Roles Aboard Ships:
- Seaman Apprentice (SA): Entry-level position similar to the Navy, learning the basics of Coast Guard operations.
- Boatswain’s Mate (BM): Perform search and rescue, law enforcement, and maintain deck equipment.
- Machinery Technician (MK): Maintain and repair engines, hydraulics, and other mechanical systems on the ship.
- Electrician’s Mate (EM): Handle electrical power generation and distribution systems on board.
- Gunner’s Mate (GM): Operate and maintain weapons used for law enforcement and defense.
- Operations Specialist (OS): Coordinate communications, navigation, and intelligence operations.
- Marine Science Technician (MST): Conduct environmental protection duties, including pollution response and maritime inspections.
- Health Services Technician (HS): Provide medical care, similar to the Navy’s Hospital Corpsman.
- Storekeeper (SK): Manage supplies, logistics, and inventory essential for ship operations.
- Damage Controlman (DC): Experts in shipboard emergency procedures, including firefighting, flooding control, and CBRN defense.
- Electronics Technician (ET): Maintain navigation, communication, and other electronic systems.
- Intelligence Specialist (IS): Collect and analyze intelligence pertinent to Coast Guard missions like counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism.
- Chief Warrant Officer (CWO): Technical specialists who provide leadership and expertise in their field.
- Ensign (ENS): Junior officers who start in leadership roles, overseeing divisions and managing operations.
- Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG): Gain more responsibility, possibly commanding smaller vessels or departments.
- Lieutenant (LT): Mid-level officers who might serve as executive officers or command medium-sized cutters.
- Commander (CDR): Senior officers who often command large cutters or serve in high-level staff positions.
Rescue Swimmer: - Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician (AST): Commonly known as Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers, they are highly skilled in rescue operations, medical treatment, and survival techniques. They jump from helicopters into the ocean to save people from sinking vessels, water accidents, or natural disasters.