Hull Maintenance Technician

Hull Maintenance Technicians (HT) do the metal work necessary to keep all types of shipboard structures and surfaces in good condition. Your job responsibilities as a HT may include:

• Installing, maintaining and repairing valves, plumbing fitting and fixtures, piping and marine sanitation systems
• Repairing decks, structures and hulls by welding, brazing, riveting and caulking
• Inspecting and testing welds and other shipboard structures
• Operating radiological, ultrasonic and magnetic particle testing equipment
• Heat treating and crafting with metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, brass and iron
• Pipe cutting and assembly
• Repairing ventilation ducts, insulation and lagging
• Repairing metal, wood and fiberglass boats
• Operating and maintaining ballast control systems
• Managing the Quality Assurance Program
• Enforcing safety and security procedures
• Preparing records and reports

HTs are stationed primarily aboard ships at sea, though shore-based assignments are possible. You may work indoors in a shop environment or outdoors in a range of climate and weather conditions.

Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), you’ll report for specialized training, including:

Basic Engineering Common Core and “A” School (13 weeks) in Great Lakes, IL, for training in basic mechanical theory and technical documentation.

HT Strand Technical School (5 weeks) in Great Lakes, IL, for training in drafting, mathematics, blueprint reading, quality assurance, use of tools, metal work, shop safety, and knowledge and comprehension of a variety of relevant skills and systems, such as welding, pipefitting and more.

After you complete your training, you may be assigned to a Navy ship or shore station in the U.S. or overseas.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.

Advanced Training

Advanced training as a Hull Maintenance Technician may also be available during later stages of your career. For those with further leadership aspirations and a college degree, Officer roles may be available, providing opportunities to lead and train others.

Post-Service Opportunities

Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world, such as welding, construction, automotive repair and metal fabrication.

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training as a Hull Maintenance Technician can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education.

You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and a Hull Maintenance Technician. You must also be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance.

HT Applicants should possess strong writing, speaking and arithmetic skills, as well as an aptitude for working with tools, equipment and machines. You should be able to perform detailed work, keep accurate records, and work well as part of a team.

Important personal attributes for HT applicants include resourcefulness, physical strength, good vision, normal color perception, normal hearing and normal use of your hands.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Hull Maintenance Technicians in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.

Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.

Hull Maintenance Technicians in the Navy Reserve serve in an Enlisted role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met.

For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers, prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement, so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again.

For those without prior military experience, you will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.