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Quartermaster (QM)

 
General Description
QMs stand watch as assistants to officers of the deck and the navigator; serve as helmsman and perform ship control, navigation and bridge watch duties. QMs procure, correct, use and stow navigational and oceanographic publications and oceanographic charts. They maintain navigational instruments and keep correct navigational time; render "honors and ceremonies" in accordance with national observance and foreign customs; send and receive visual messages; and serve as petty officers in charge of tugs, self-propelled barges and other yard and district craft.

What They Do
The duties performed by QMs include: conduct weather observations;
determine compass and gyro error; compute tide and tidal current data; keep logs and records; determine their ship's position by visual and electronic means; compute times of sunrise and sunset; follow the nautical rules-of-the-road to prevent collisions at sea. 

 Working Environment
After "A" school, USN Quartermasters are assigned to all types of ships. FTS QMs are assigned to NRF ships in CONUS. Upon completion of sea tours, FTS QMs will be assigned to reserve centers across the country including the heartland. While assigned to reserve centers FTS QMs will train and administer Selected Reserve Personnel. During a 20-year period in the Navy, QMs spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations. 
Requirements ASVAB: VE + AR = 97

Must have normal color perception
Security clearance required
Must be a U.S. Citizen 

Note: Advancement opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater opportunity than those in overmanned ratings). Rating conversions will normally only be considered for those who are in appropriately manned or overmanned ratings who seek entry into undermanned ratings. Please see a career counselor for more information. 
 
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