
	Hull Maintenance Technician	HT
	HT's do the metal work necessary to keep all types of shipboard structures and surfaces in good condition. They also maintain shipboard plumbing and marine sanitation systems, repair small boats, operate and maintain ballast control systems, and manage the Quality Assurance Program.

HT’s do the metal work necessary to keep all types of shipboard structures and surfaces in good condition. They also maintain shipboard plumbing and marine sanitation systems, repair small boats, operate and maintain ballast control systems, and manage the Quality Assurance Program.

What they do

The duties performed by HT include:

• installing, maintaining and repairing valves, piping, plumbing system fittings and fixtures, and marine sanitation systems.

• repairing decks, structures and hulls by welding, brazing, riveting and 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 and brass, steel, sheet and corrugated iron;

• heat treating, 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 systems

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate or lowerdivision bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on welding, plumbing, brazing and soldering.

Qualifications and Interests

An important qualification for people interested in the HT rating is the ability to use various hand tools, equipment, and metal forming and cutting machines. They also need good vision, manual dexterity, memory and resourcefulness. The ability to do detailed work and to work successfully in a good team operation is helpful. Normal color perception is required. Writing, speaking and arithmetic skills, physical strength and the ability to keep records and do repetitive tasks are helpful. HT’s must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearance.

Opportunities

Entry opportunities are limited. Only highly qualified applicants have an opportunity for placement in this rating. Presently, more than 2,800 men and women work in the HT rating.

Working Environment

Hull Technicians work in a variety of situations at sea and ashore. Sometimes their work is performed indoors in a shop environment. Other times it may be performed outdoors, frequently at sea and in all kinds of climates and weather conditions. They may work in noisy environments on some assignments. HT’s are stationed primarily aboard ships.

Navy HT - Hull Systems Maintainer

Hull Systems Maintainers do the metal work necessary to keep all types of shipboard structures and surfaces in good condition. They also maintain shipboard plumbing and marine sanitation systems, repair small boats, operate and maintain ballast control systems, and manage the Quality Assurance Program; installing, maintaining and repairing valves, piping, plumbing system fittings and fixtures, and marine sanitation systems; repairing decks, structures and hulls by welding, brazing, riveting and 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 and brass, steel, sheet and corrugated iron; heat treating, 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 systems These maintainers work under the supervision of a mentor while learning a trade or skill.

Navy HT - Hull Systems Technician

Hull Systems Technicians do the metal work necessary to keep all types of shipboard structures and surfaces in good condition. They also maintain shipboard plumbing and marine sanitation systems, repair small boats, operate and maintain ballast control systems, and manage the Quality Assurance Program; installing, maintaining and repairing valves, piping, plumbing system fittings and fixtures, and marine sanitation systems; repairing decks, structures and hulls by welding, brazing, riveting and 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 and brass, steel, sheet and corrugated iron; heat treating, 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 systems These technicians are expected to perform work independently and mentor Hull Systems Maintainer(s) with very limited supervision.