Boatswains Mates are the primary boat Drivers (Coxswains).To be the Coxswain means to be in charge of the boat and her crew, the boat must be less than 65ft in length. At stations you'll find that MKs drive and have the same qualification as the BMs. We have a few links in the Coxswain Chain, first you have the Standard Boat Coxswain, then You Have the Heavy Weather Coxswain and finally Surfman, and this is highest level. Some BMs never get past the standard Qual because they move on to be a part of the cutter life; I do want to remind you that this is a Sea Going service and just because you want to be a BM does not mean you will be placed at a Small Boat Station. Good Luck
