Chief of the boat

Chief of the Boat is an enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine

Submarine

A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...

 or Cyclone Class Coastal Patrol Ships

Cyclone class patrol ship

The Cyclone class patrol ships are a class of United States Navy coastal patrol boats. Most of these ships were launched between 1992 and 1994....

, who serves as the senior enlisted advisor

Senior Enlisted Advisor

A Senior Enlisted Advisor in the United States armed forces is the most senior enlisted service member in a unit, and acts as an advisor to the commanding officer. Most units will have a formal billet for the senior enlisted advisor, from a platoon's platoon sergeant to the Senior Enlisted Advisor...

 to the commanding officer

Commanding officer

The commanding officer is the officer in command of a military unit. Typically, the commanding officer has ultimate authority over the unit, and is usually given wide latitude to run the unit as he sees fit, within the bounds of military law...

 and executive officer

Executive officer

An executive officer is generally a person responsible for running an organization, although the exact nature of the role varies depending on the organization.-Administrative law:...

, and assists with matters regarding the good order and discipline of the crew. The Chief of the Boat is the equivalent of a Command Master Chief

Command Master Chief Petty Officer

-Background:First referenced in OPNAVINST 1306.2C dated 16 October 1995, the Navy's Command Master Chief Program is a valuable asset which stimulates free-flowing communications and ensures the highest standards of professionalism are upheld at all levels within the chain of command...

 in shore and surface units. There is only one COB on a submarine or Coastal Patrol Ship and he is generally responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, and the morale and the training of the boat's enlisted personnel. The COB is typically the most senior enlisted man; however, the commanding officer is neither required to select the highest ranking sailor nor the most senior in grade or time aboard. Likewise, the COB is not necessarily replaced when a more senior sailor reports aboard.

The selection process for a COB starts with the commanding officer's recommendation, which goes to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the Squadron Commander. Nominees are interviewed by other COBs.

When a new enlisted sailor joins a boat's crew, the COB is usually one of the first people the new sailor will meet. Although the role of COB is outside the direct Chain of Command, the COB has tremendous authority and responsibility as top enlisted sailor of the vessel.

See also

• Command Master Chief Petty Officer
  Command Master Chief Petty Officer
  -Background:First referenced in OPNAVINST 1306.2C dated 16 October 1995, the Navy's Command Master Chief Program is a valuable asset which stimulates free-flowing communications and ensures the highest standards of professionalism are upheld at all levels within the chain of command...
  
   (CMDCM)
• Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer (FLTCM)
• Force Master Chief Petty Officer (FORCM)