Overview of Training at Boatswain’s Mate A School and Surface Common Core.

Video by Seaman Kai Zhang

Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes

Feb. 4, 2022 | 3:05

Every Surface Navy Engineer, Quartermaster, Boatswain and deck seaman come through Surface Warfare Engineering School Command (SWESC) Great Lakes for technical training led by the Navy’s finest instructors. These Sailors leave SWESC as Surface Warriors; ready to perform on ships operating around the globe.

Boatswain Mate (BM) “A” school and Surface Common Core (SCC) offers junior sailors the opportunity to receive hands on training about basic seamanship skills prior to reporting to their first command. Sailor learn these skills by participating in classroom training and labs utilizing the USS Whitehat an onsite ship simulator. The Sailors are able to learn everything from basic line handling skills to underway replenishment operations.

BM is the oldest rating in the Navy and has a rich history of honored traditions. BMs are the leaders and backbone of every ship’s crew. A BM maintains the exterior surfaces of ships, deck handling machinery and equipment, handle cargo and operate small boats during a number of evolutions including Anti-Terrorism Operations and Maritime Interdiction boardings of suspect ships BMs take charge of working parties, and act as petty officer-in-charge of picket boats, self-propelled barges, tugs, and other yard and district crafts.

They serve in, or take charge of gun crews and damage control parties. Boatswain's Mates operate and maintain equipment used in loading and unloading cargo, ammunition, fuel, and general stores.

SCC allows Sailors to eventually qualify for one of several Navy ratings through on-the-job Seaman Professional Career Track training.