MOS 88K—Watercraft Operator

Qualifications for initial award of MOS 88K, Watercraft Operator:

PULHES: 222221
Physical Demands Rating: very heavy
Required ASVAB Score: MM: 99
Enlistment Bonus: None
Security Clearance: None
U.S. Citizenship: Not Required
AIT Length / Location: 5 weeks, 3 days at Ft Eustis, Virginia
Other Requirements

Watercraft Operator (MOS 88K) Description / Major Duties:

The watercraft operator performs mariner duties and supervise other personnel on Army watercraft and amphibians.

Duties for MOS 88K at each skill level are:

MOSC 88K1O. Docks and undocks the vessels. Drops and weighs the vessel anchor. Stands lookout and helm watches. Identifies and interprets single letter international code signal flags. Sends and receives messages with radios, beacons and signal flags. Operates and maintains lifeboats and vessel firefighting equipment. Knowledgeable in all aspects of marlinespike seamanship. Secure all type of cargo using shipboard machinery such as capstans, winches, hoists and davits. Paints metal, wood, and fiberglass surfaces. Clean compartments and decks.

MOSC 88K2O. Provides supervision and technical guidance for subordinates. Maintain vessel charts, publications and orders. Keep the vessel log book. Navigate a boat or other watercraft. Beaches and retracts landing craft. Tow vessels and barges in harbors and inter-coastal waterways.

MOSC 88K30. Instructs subordinates in watercraft and amphibian operational practices, procedures and techniques. Supervise the embarking and disembarking of troops from the vessel. Establishes and enforces safety procedures. Schedules shipboard watches. Prepares vessel load plans. Schedules and oversees deck maintenance. Supervises maintenance of life saving and firefighting equipment.

MOSC 88K40. Apply Inland and International navigation rules while operating vessels. Conducts crew drills and supervises training on the vessel. Disseminate information on weather and navigational aid changes. Maintain the vessel station bill and crew list. Operate the Mark 27 gyrocompass. Process operations and intelligence information. Receive, store, distribute, turns in vessel supplies, equipment, and food. Administer the vessel mess functions to include all money exchanges, headcount records, daily cook worksheets, and food utilization reports. Coordinate the operation of collective lighter control points (LCPs).

Other Requirements for Award of MOS 88K:

(1) Uncorrected vision acuity of not more than 20/200 in each eye, that corrects with spectacle lenses to 20/20 in one eye and 20/40 in other eye.

(2) Normal color vision based on no more than four errors in reading the pseudoisochromatic plate test.

(3) MOSC qualifications per AR 56-9, at each level of skill.

(4) MOS qualification may be attained by meeting the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program (ACASP) criteria per paragraph (a) and (b) below.
(a) Have 2 years of experience as watercraft crewmember.
(b) Be certified by U.S. Army Marine Qualification Division (MQD). Guidance counselors will call the MQD at Fort Eustis, VA (DSN 927-4621 or COMM 804-878-4621) and provide applicant’s qualifications to member of the MQD. The MQD will provide instructions for obtaining certification in accordance with AR 56-9, Surface Transportation Watercraft.

Additional Skill Identifiers for MOS 88K:

P5—Master Fitness Trainer.
2B—Air Assault (personnel only).
2S—Battle Staff Operations (SL 3 and above).
4A—Reclassification Training.
5W—Jumpmaster (personnel only).
6T—Military Auditor (Reserve Component personnel only).
8P—Competitive Parachutist (skill level 2-4 personnel only).

Article Last Modified: February 26, 2011

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