In 1974, the United States Coast Guard established the Cutterman insignia as a way to recognize Coast Guard personnel whose afloat service exemplifies the knowledge dedication and dedication to duty that are the hallmarks of a professional mariner. As the designation implies, one of the eligibility requirements for the badge is seagoing assignment to a cutter, which today is any Coast Guard vessel greater than 65 feet in length.
Coast Guardsmen may be authorized to wear the Cutterman Badge while afloat after six months of continuous sea duty provided their service is satisfactory and they are certified by their commanding officer. But the eligibility requirements for permanent wear are considerably more stringent: Personnel must accumulate a minimum of five years of sea duty on at least two different tours, complete the watch station Personnel Qualification Standard associated with their rating, and pass an oral board. (Other qualification requirements are outlined in COMDTINST M3502.4, the Cutter Training and Qualification Manual.) it’s a given that Coast Guardsmen who’ve achieved this signal honor will take it upon themselves to pass along their knowledge and experience to help junior personnel in their efforts to qualify as Cuttermen.
The insignia was designed to reflect both the abilities and experience of Cuttermen as well as the traditions of the Coast Guard. A ship’s wheel placed atop waves denotes the service’s maritime heritage; a five-pointed star centered in the middle of the wheel represents five years of seagoing duty; and the shield is emblematic of the Coast Guard’s status as a branch of the Federal Government.