Which of the following is NOT a common surface ship rating?

• A. BM - Boatswain's Mate
• B. OS - Operations Specialist
• C. CT - Communications Technician
• D. QM - Quartermaster

Answer: (C)

In surface ships, the most visible ratings are those tied to deck operations, navigation, and ship handling. Boatswain’s Mate handles lines, rigging, deck crew duties, and general ship handling; Quartermaster focuses on navigation, plotting courses, and helm duties. Operations Specialist covers radar, navigation, and integrated sensor/tighting functions that support watch standing and battle-space awareness. These roles align with the daily realities of operating and maneuvering a ship at sea.

Communications Technician, while a valid Navy rating, is more specialized in radio and message/communications systems. On many surface ships, these duties are performed by other ratings focused on electronic communications and information systems, and CTs are not the typical, broad-based surface-ship deck rating you’ll encounter on most hulls. They tend to be associated with specific platforms or shore-based/shore-side roles, rather than a standard surface-ship crew staple.