The history of the now-disestablished Boiler Technician (BT) rating traces its roots back to the 19th century and the ascent of steam-powered naval vessels at the end of the Age of Sail. The Boilermaker rating was established in 1869 and was changed to Machinist 2c in 1884, the same year the related Water Tender rating was established and Boilermaker was re-established. In 1948, both Water Tender and Boilermaker were merged into a new Boilerman rating. This rating lasted for nearly 30 years before being changed to Boiler Technician in 1976.
Boiler Technicians were responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of everything involved in a steam-propulsion system. Water and fuel inventories had to be maintained at appropriate levels, and fuel required testing to ensure proper quality. Machining skills were necessary to maintain and repair equipment; failure to do so could cost not only the life of the BT, but also of many crew members.
Reflecting the evolution of naval propulsion systems away from steam power, the Boiler Technician rating was disestablished in 1996 and converted to Machinist’s Mate.
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