The QM Rating
The Quartermaster rating was first established in 1798.
Quartermasters 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. The active duty Quartermaster rating requires a 5 year minimum enlistment contract.
Quartermaster (QM)
The duties performed by QMs include operation of electronic navigation equipment. They will be able to conduct weather observations, determine compass and gyro error, compute tide and tidal current data, keep logs and records.
Quartermasters determine their ship's position by visual and electronic means, compute times of sunrise and sunset; and follow the nautical rules-of-the-road to prevent collisions at sea. They 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.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Quartermasters must be U.S. citizens and be able to meet all security clearance requirements. A good working knowledge of arithmetic, the capability for understanding modern computing devices, the ability to speak and write well and function as a member of an integrated team, do detailed work and keep accurate records, some physical strength and good manual dexterity are important qualifications.
Quartermasters usually work in a clean, air-conditioned electronic equipment space or the ship's bridge/pilot house, and frequently perform their work as part of a team, but may work on individual projects. Their work is mostly mental analysis and problem solving.
USN QMs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, Full Time Support (Active Duty Reservist) QMs are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations. Quartermaster ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
American Council on Education recommends 5 semester hours credit in the lower division baccalaureate/Associate degree category: 3 semester hours in Marine Navigation and 2 semester hours in marine navigation laboratory.