[citation needed] Boatswain's Mates train, direct, and supervise personnel in ship's maintenance duties in all activities relating to marlinspike, deck, boat seamanship, painting, upkeep of ship's external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and boats.

[3] Boatswain's mates take charge of working parties; perform seamanship tasks; act as petty officer-in-charge of picketboats, self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district craft.

[3] BMs also operate and maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores.

[5] Boatswain's mates duties cover a large spectrum and range widely depending on the capacity and mission of the vessel or shore installation to which BMs are assigned.

They act as or supervise lookouts of Navy ships, searching the sea for enemy vessels and hazards to navigation.

They conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and can respond to other military and civilian ships that request assistance.

Should a Boatswain's Mate meet eligibility requirements, he can elect to become an SO (formerly SEAL), SB (formerly SWCC), ND (Navy Diver), or EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician).

In the U.S. Navy, the ship's Boatswain is a Warrant Officer who serves as a subject matter expert and assists the first lieutenant by supervising the deck force in the execution of major seamanship functions and the maintenance of topside gear.

[6] His duties also include supervising anchoring, mooring, fueling, towing, transferring of personnel and cargo, and the operation and maintenance of ship's boats.

[7] It is derived from late Old English batswegen, from bat ("boat") + Old Norse sveinn ("swain"), meaning a young man, a follower, retainer, or servant.

[citation needed] Punishment could lawfully be inflicted on an officer's instruction or at his own will, or more formally on deck on the captain's or a court martial's orders.

[11][12] Cesar Romero achieved the rating of chief boatswain's mate aboard the Coast Guard manned assault transport USS Cavalier.

Don Shipley began his United States Navy career as a Boatswain's Mate in 1978 before going on to become a SEAL in 1984.