88L Watercraft Engineers
About 88L
The U.S. Army Transportation Corps' 88L Watercraft Engineers are disciplined, technical experts that provide the Army with maritime field and sustainment level maintenance capabilities. They service Army watercraft, amphibious and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels. 88L Watercraft Engineers perform daily systems checks, repair and maintain gasoline and diesel engines, troubleshoot and repair watercraft propulsion machinery, and repair and service lift machinery and engine-related electrical systems.
88L Watercraft Engineers are trained in:
- Basic shipboard electronics
- Hydraulics Systems
- Maintenance Shop practices
- Engine Operation and Maintenance
- Maritime Operations
- Maintenance of steering systems
- Inspection and maintenance of propellers
- Shipboard firefighting and other emergency procedures
88L Watercraft Engineers are trained in:
- Basic shipboard electronics
- Hydraulics Systems
- Maintenance Shop practices
- Engine Operation and Maintenance
- Maritime Operations
- Maintenance of steering systems
- Inspection and maintenance of propellers
- Shipboard firefighting and other emergency procedures
88L Watercraft Engineers
88L Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors
Sergeant Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors
Proponent Vision: Watercraft Engineers are disciplined, technical experts that provide the Army with maritime field and sustainment level maintenance capabilities. They service Army watercraft, amphibians and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels. Watercraft Engineer SGTs prepare marine vessel equipment for operation, operate and troubleshoot vessel engines, perform maintenance on engine components and vessel systems, manage engine room records, and compute fuel requirements and usage. They are the primary trainer of Soldiers and coach, counsel, and care for subordinates.
Developmental/ Experiential Learning Senior Marine Engineman
Positions: Drill Sergeant, Recruiter
Broadening Experiences: Watercraft Engineers will gain a variety of experiences through institutional training, home station training, and maritime logistics exercises. With sufficient experience they can become AIT instructors and hold positions of greater responsibility
Additional Information
College and University Associate’s Degree (O).
Credentials & Certifications (Continuing Education) National Able Seaman (A/B) (D), STCW-Able Seafarer-Deck (D) STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft, Fast Rescue Boats, National Master 100 GL and Inland (O), National Master 100 NC (O)
Military Schooling Basic Leaders Course (R), Integrated Computerized Deployment System (ICODES) (D) ICODES-Maritime (D), Marine Radar Observer/Auto Rada Plotting Aid (D), Airborne (O), Air Assault (O), Recruiter (O), Drill Sergeant (O)
(D) Desired
(O) Optional
(R) Required
Baseline Talents Army Talent Attribute Framework - Tier 2
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Ability
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
- Systems Thinking
- General Communication
- Teamwork
- Mechanical & Electrical
- Leadership
- Tactical/Technical Competence
- Management
Assignment Developed Talents Army Talent Attribute Framework – Tier 2
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Ability
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
- General Communication
- Safety & Compliance
- Leadership
- Tactical/Technical Competence
- Management
- Training and Developing Others
Tier 3 Army Talent Attribute Framework KSBs (Baseline)
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Aptitude
- Multi-Tasking
- Problem Solver
- Troubleshooting
- Active Learning
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Communication Ability
- Cooperation/Teamwork
- Coordination
- Team Development
- Mechanically and Technologically Savvy
- Delegating
- Leads by Example
- Motivating Others
- Peer Leadership
- Knowledge of System Inter-Relations
- Proficiency with Mission Systems
Tier 3 Army Talent Attribute Framework KSBs (Assignment Developed)
- Sound Judgement
- General Cognitive Aptitude
- Multi-Tasking
- Problem Solver
- Structured Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Interdisciplinary Reasoning
- Communicator
- Process-Disciplined
- Safety Compliance
- Improves the Organization
- Inspirational Leader
- Proficiency with Mission Systems
- Resource Management
- Assesses developmental needs of others
Staff Sergeant Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors
Proponent Vision: Watercraft Engineer Staff Sergeants lead disciplined, technical experts providing the Army with maritime field and sustainment level maintenance capabilities. They are capable of establishing and enforcing engine department safety practices, supervising shipboard watches, overseeing maintenance operations, conducting drills and training, and organizes the work of the maintenance shop. The Watercraft Engineer SSG understands how watercraft fit into Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS) operations, is able to instruct on vessel maintenance, procedures, and techniques, assesses risk, and leads squads/sections.
Developmental/ Experiential Learning
Positions: Assistant Marine Engineer, Marine Maintenance NCO, Junior Marine Engineer
Broadening Experiences: Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, Instructor, ALC Small Group Leader, Watercraft Engineer Advisor (SATMO)
Experiences: Watercraft Engineers will gain a variety of experiences through institutional and home station training, and maritime logistics exercises. With sufficient experience they can become Platoon Sergeants and hold positions of greater responsibility.
College and University Associate’s Degree (O).
Credentials & Certifications (Continuing Education) GMDSS Radio Operator License (R), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) License (R), Radar Observer (R), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (R), Certified HAZMAT Manager (D)
Military Schooling Advanced Leaders Course (R), Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (R), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) (R), ICODES-Maritime (D), Recruiter (O), Drill Sergeant (O), Operational Contract Support (O)
(D) Desired
(O) Optional
(R) Required
Baseline Talents Army Talent Attribute Framework - Tier 2
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Ability
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
- Systems Thinking
- General Communication
- Teamwork
- Mechanical & Electrical
- Leadership
- Tactical/Technical Competence
Assignment Developed Talents Army Talent Attribute Framework - Tier 2
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Ability
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
- General Communication
- Safety & Compliance
- Leadership
- Tactical/Technical Competence
- Management
- Training and Developing Others
Tier 3 Army Talent Attribute Framework KSBs (Baseline)
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Aptitude
- Multi-Tasking
- Perceptive
- Problem Solver
- Troubleshooting
- Active Learning
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Systems Thinking
- Communication Ability
- Coordination
- Team Development
- Mechanically and Technologically Savvy
- Delegating (II), Leads by Example
- Motivating Others
- Peer Leadership
- Knowledge of System Inter-Relations
- Proficiency with Mission Systems
Tier 3 Army Talent Attribute Framework KSBs (Assignment Developed)
- Sound Judgement
- General Cognitive Aptitude
- Multi-Tasking
- Perceptive
- Problem Solver
- Structured Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Interdisciplinary Reasoning
- Communicator
- Process-Disciplined
- Safety Compliance
- Improves the Organization
- Inspirational Leader
- Proficiency with Mission Systems
- Resource Management
- Time Management
- Assesses developmental needs of others
- Mentoring
- Instructing
Sergeant First Class Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors
Proponent Vision: The Watercraft Engineer Sergeant First Class leads disciplined, technical experts providing the Army with maritime field and sustainment level maintenance capabilities. They manage marine engineer department maintenance operations and priorities. The Watercraft Engineer SFC maintain marine vessel historical reports and records, analyzes maintenance readiness trends, equipment improvement recommendations and faulty equipment reports, oversee posting of vessel logbooks and records, and understands multiple mechanical systems onboard vessels.
Developmental/ Experiential Learning
Positions: Platoon Sergeant, Operations Sergeant, Small Tug Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Marine Maintenance Supervisor
Broadening Experiences: Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, SLC SGL, Instructor, Training Developer, Senior Watercraft Advisor (SATMO)
Experiences: Watercraft Engineers will gain a variety of experiences through institutional and home station training, and maritime logistics exercises. With sufficient experience they can become First Sergeants and Senior Transportation Supervisors.
College and University Associate’s Degree (D)
Credentials & Certifications (Continuing Education) GMDSS Radio Operator License (R), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) License (R), Radar Observer (R), Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (R)
Military Schooling Senior Leaders Course (R), Global Maritime Distress & Safety Systems (R), Electronic Chart Display & Information System (R), ICODES-Maritime (D), Operational Contract SPT (O), SR Enlisted Joint PME CRS (O), MRT (O), SHARP
(D) Desired
(O) Optional
(R) Required
Baseline Talents Army Talent Attribute Framework - Tier 2
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Ability
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
- Systems Thinking
- General Communication
- Teamwork
- Mechanical & Electrical
- Leadership
- Training and Developing Others
Assignment Developed Talents Army Talent Attribute Framework - Tier 2
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Ability
- Problem Solving
- Reasoning
- Systems Thinking
- General Communication
- Safety & Compliance
- Multi-Domain Collaboration
- Leadership
- Management
Tier 3 Army Talent Attribute Framework KSBs (Baseline)
- Decision Making
- General Cognitive Aptitude
- Multi-Tasking
- Problem Solver
- Troubleshooting
- Active Learning
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Systems Thinking
- Communication Ability
- Adaptability
- Coordination
- Team Development
- Mechanically and Technologically Savvy
- Delegating
- Leads by Example
- Motivating Others
- Peer Leadership
- Assesses developmental needs of others
Tier 3 Army Talent Attribute Framework KSBs (Assignment Developed)
- Sound Judgement
- General Cognitive Aptitude
- Multi-Tasking
- Problem Solver
- Structured Problem Solving
- Analytical Thinking
- Critical Thinking
- Interdisciplinary Reasoning
- Systems Thinking
- Communicator
- Evaluating Compliance
- Process-Disciplined
- Safety Compliance
- Joint Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) Perspective
- Improves the Organization
- Inspirational Leader
- Organizational Perspective
- Shared Leadership (II), Delegating
- Resource Management
- Task Planning & Management
88L Enlisted Career Paths
As an 88L Watercraft Engineer, opportunities are available to secure civilian credentials which can be applied towards points for promotion within the Army as well as expand opportunities for application outside the Army.
Additional Opportunities
Industry Based Broadening — Institute for Defense and Business (IDB)
Purpose:The focus of the IB2 seminar is Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERPs) specifically the use of ERPs as a decision-making tool to improve readiness, lethality, and reduce costs for the Army.
Concept: Strategic seminar for officers, warrant officers, senior NCOs, and DA Civilians hosted by the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) in Chapel Hill, NC.
- 3-week seminar-style instruction
- Seminar funding provided by CASCOM
- Benchmark with Cisco, FedEx, GE-Aviation, Caterpillar, etc.
| Foundation | Benchmark | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 |
| Business/ERP Integration, Intelligence, & Analytics | Industry Benchmarking | Practical Application Exercises |
| Industry/Academic Research | Business Intelligence & Data Analytics | Final Project Development |
| Problem Statement Analysis, Development, & Refinement | Industry/Academic Research | Project Presentation |
Contact the Logistics Branch Prononency Office. usarmy.lee.tradoc.mbx.leee-logistics-branch-proponency-office@army.mil