Marine Science Technician

Marine Science Technician (MST) is an enlisted rate in the United States Coast Guard.

Around 1962, Coast Guard enlisted members began being assigned to carry out routine oceanographic observations on ocean stations, ice breakers, and oceanographic ships.

These billets were filled by Aerographers Mates (AG) and Sonarmen (SO) until in November 1968, when the decision was made to create a new rating.

Prospective MSTs must meet Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score requirements of 114 in Verbal Ability plus Arithmetic Reasoning (VE+AR), and a minimum Mathematics Knowledge (MK) score of 56.

Upon graduation, MSTs may go on to pursue qualifications such as Pollution Responder, Federal On-Scene Coordinator's Representative, Facility Inspector, Container Inspector, Port State Control Examiner, Port State Control Officer (with vessel type classification) and other specialized qualifications.