Chief Quartermaster (SW) Doug Tyler, recently reported to Waterfront Readiness as a craftmaster. USNA photo by MCSN Michael L. Croft.

Academy craftmasters are Boatswain’s Mates and Quartermasters. To earn the qualification, Sailors must be E-5 or above with at least one warfare qualification. The craftmaster qualification process at the U.S. Naval Academy is arduous, and can take up to four months.

In order to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding, each potential craftmaster must complete a comprehensive Personnel Qualification Standards, or PQS, which identifies the minimum information and skills a Sailor must have. The craftmaster PQS covers every facet of operating a YP, ranging from chart navigation to the chill water piping. Only qualified craftmasters and chief engineers can sign off on the PQS. Upon completion of the PQS, the prospective craftmaster then goes in front of a board made of Waterfront Readiness Division leadership, where the candidate is questioned in-depth about every detail of the boat and how it operates.

''The hardest part of the training for me so far has been trying to keep up,'' said Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW⁄AW) Johnny Ford, craftmaster in training. ''All the training we receive and all the books we have to read can be a lot to take in and remember. When I first started the training I thought the flow of information was never going to end.''

Craftmasters at the Naval Academy are in charge of the 21 Yard Patrol (YP) craft used as training vessels for Midshipmen. In addition to knowing how to operate the YP properly, each craftmaster must also be able to train the Midshipmen on how the boat runs. For the Navy’s future officers, sailing on a YP is often their first exposure to life in the operational Fleet.

''I really enjoy interacting with the Midshipmen,'' said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW⁄SS) Michael Thurston, Craftmaster of YP 683. ''When I am underway with Midshipmen I am responsible for running the boat, but I like to hand that responsibility off to the Mids and supervise to make sure everyone is safe. The training they get on the YP’s could help them greatly in the Fleet.''

The YP experience can be just as beneficial for the craftmaster as it is for the Midshipmen.

''To become a craftmaster as a First Class has really been a great experience for me,'' said Thurston. ''As the craftmaster I am the commanding officer of my boat. I have been given the responsibility of running this boat and taking care of the crew. Most Sailors do not get this much responsibility until they become a Chief or Senior Chief. Becoming a craftmaster has prepared me for what I will face when I become a Chief.''