HTs or hull technicians do the metal work that's necessary to keep all types of shipboard structures and their surfaces in good condition. These technicians also maintain shipboard plumbing and marine sanitation systems. They repair small boats, operate and maintain ballast control systems, and manage the Quality Assurance Program.

Duties Performed by Hull Technicians

•Installing, maintaining, and repairing valves, piping, plumbing system fittings and fixtures, and marine sanitation systems
•Repairing decks, structures, and hulls through welding, brazing, riveting or caulking
•Examining, testing welds, and various shipboard structures using radiological, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle testing equipment
•Fabricating with light and heavy gauge metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, sheet copper, sheet brass, steel, sheet, and corrugated iron
•Heat treating in hot and cold forming of metals
•Pipe cutting, threading, and assembly
•Repairing installed ventilation ducting
•Repairing metal, wood and fiberglass boats
•Installing and repairing insulation and lagging
•Operating marine sanitation system

Hull technicians work in a variety of situations both at sea and ashore. Sometimes their work is performed indoors in a shop environment, but at other times it might be performed outdoors, frequently at sea and in all kinds of climates and weather conditions. HTs might work in noisy environments on some assignments. USN HTs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, while full-time support (FTS) HT's are typically stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations.

Training and Other Requirements

This position requires attending a job school for a period of eight weeks at Great Lakes, Illinois.

An ASVAB score of VE + AR + MK + AS = 200 or MK + AS + AO = 150 is required.

Secret security clearance is required.

Applicants must additionally have normal vision color perception. They must have normal hearing and be U.S. citizens. The hearing requirement is tested at frequencies of 3000hz, 4000hz, 5000hz, and 6000hz. Your average hearing threshold level in these four frequencies must be less than 30db with no level greater than 45db in any one frequency. If an applicant's hearing level exceeds these limits, he is ineligible for the rating.

Sub-Specialties and Manning Levels

Sub-specialties available for this rating include the Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for HT.

Manning levels can change from time to time. An explanation of manning levels for this rating can be found in the CREO listing.

Advancement Potential

Advancement and promotion opportunities and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level. For example, personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings.

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

•First Sea Tour: 54 months
•First Shore Tour: 36 months
•Second Sea Tour: 54 months
•Second Shore Tour: 36 months
•Third Sea Tour: 36 months
•Third Shore Tour: 36 months
•Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
•Forth Shore Tour: 36 months

Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months Ashore or Retirement