Rating Description

Culinary Specialist Submarines (CSS) operate and manage Navy messes and living quarters established to subsist and accommodate Naval personnel; estimate quantities and kinds of foodstuffs required; assist Supply Officer in ordering and stowage of subsistence items and procurement of equipment and mess gear. CSS check delivery for quantity and assist medical personnel in inspection for quality; prepare menus; plan, prepare, and serve meals; maintain food service spaces and associated equipment in a clean and sanitary condition, including storerooms and refrigerated spaces; maintain records of financial transactions and submit required reports; and maintain, oversee, and are vital in maintaining high crew morale on the submarine. For more detailed information, see the Rating Information Card.

There are 14 credentials closely related to the tasks performed in this Rating that may be attainable as soon as Class "A" technical school has been completed. Sailors can take advantage of these credentialing opportunities shortly following their initial training. Select "< 1 Year" for the "Experience after 'A' School" filter in the "Related Credentials" section to view these credentials.

CSS Roles

Rating Information Card

CSS LaDR/OARS

National Certifications

You selected Early Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E1-E3 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and credentials are considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E4-E6. To help you focus on the credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E4-E6 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and holding credentials is considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You selected Late Career-- this applies to Sailors in paygrades E7-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E7-E9 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and are considered during promotion evaluations. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.

You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Sailors who will not be reenlisting and who are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered down to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.

As a transitioning Sailor, you may also want to visit the Navy's Transisition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS) program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.

You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you

The following civilian credentials are related to CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.

You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn how your training and experience can meet certification requirements.

For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.

Credential	Agency	Related As	Attainability	Navy$	LaDR	GI Bill^®	Accreditation
Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM-CFPP) Is In Demand AT1	Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill	Accreditation
Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC) Is Not In Demand AT1	National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) Is Not In Demand	National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) Is Not In Demand AT4	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E6	GI Bill
Certified Culinarian (CC) Is Not In Demand AT1	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Most	high	Navy Bucks	E4	GI Bill
Certified Culinary Educator (CCE) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E6	GI Bill
Certified Executive Chef (CEC) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Most	medium	Navy Bucks	E6	GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E6	GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Master Chef (CMC) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Other				GI Bill
Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) Is Not In Demand AT4	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Most	high	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Certified Sous Chef (CSC) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Most	medium	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Most	medium	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Food Safety and Quality Auditor Certification (CFSQA) Is Not In Demand	American Society for Quality (ASQ)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Is Not In Demand	American Society for Quality (ASQ)	Other				GI Bill	Accreditation
Certified Manager (CM) Is Not In Demand	Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM)	Most	medium	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Certified Secondary Culinary Educator (CSCE) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Other				GI Bill
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Is In Demand AT1	Project Management Institute (PMI)	Most	high	Navy Bucks	E4	GI Bill
Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) Is Not In Demand	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E7	GI Bill
Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) Is Not In Demand	Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)	Other					Accreditation
Personal Certified Chef (PCC) Is Not In Demand AT4	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E5	GI Bill
Personal Certified Executive Chef (PCEC) Is Not In Demand AT4	American Culinary Federation (ACF)	Some	medium	Navy Bucks	E6	GI Bill
Registered Dietitian (RD) Is In Demand	Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)	Other					Accreditation
Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition Is Not In Demand	Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)	Other					Accreditation
Diplomate American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN) Is Not In Demand	American Clinical Board of Nutrition (ACBN)	Other					Accreditation
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) Is In Demand	International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC)	Other
Certified Food Safety HACCP Manager (CFSHM) Is Not In Demand AT1	National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Is Not In Demand AT1	Transportation Security Administration (TSA)	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E4
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2013 Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Excel Associate (Excel and Excel 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Excel 2016 Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Excel 2016 Expert Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Excel Expert (Excel and Excel 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Access 2016 Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Outlook 2016 Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Word 2016 Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Word 2016 Expert Is Not In Demand AT1	Microsoft Corporation	Some	high	Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Word Associate (Word and Word 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Word Expert (Word and Word 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): PowerPoint Associate (PowerPoint and PowerPoint 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Outlook Associate (Outlook and Outlook 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Access Expert (Access and Access 2019) Is Not In Demand	Microsoft Corporation	Some		Navy Bucks	E3	GI Bill

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.

COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:

Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
Service members may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if they are separating or retiring in the state in which they desire the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Service members should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
For each of the above opportunities, the Service member must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.

As with any state license, you must meet all state eligibility criteria. Funding of a state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty (e.g. no real estate license, no beautician license, no private eye license, etc…). Contact Navy COOL for more information.

Apprenticeship

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.

USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships. Also, your DOL Certificates are part of your Learning and Development Roadmaps (LaDR) — and these certificates will enhance your opportunity for advancement and retention.

The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to the CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine rating:

Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.

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USCG (NMC) Credentialing

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a civilian mariner when you separate from the military, employment in the Maritime Industry as either a civil service mariner (CIVMAR) or as a Merchant Mariner in the shipping industry, you will likely need to attain credentials from the US Coast Guard through the National Maritime Center (NMC). To evaluate your sea service for Merchant Marine credential eligibility, see the MilGears Mil-2-Mariner (M2M) Tool.

Enlisted Active Duty and Reserve US Navy personnel in eligible ratings may have the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) fees, application fees, and USCG credentialing exam fees funded through the Navy COOL program. For more detailed information about mariner careers, USCG credentialing requirements, how to apply for USCG credentials, and how to use Navy COOL for funding, review the Blueprint to Mariner document.

The following sections outline the USCG credentialing requirements and processes.

Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential Application Fees for Active Duty Members

Guidance on Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Application Fees for Active Duty Members of the Uniformed Services

The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-20, titled: Guidance on Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential Application Fees for Active Duty Members of the Uniformed Services.

Active duty members of the uniformed services are eligible for a waiver of fees for evaluation of an application for an MMC, the administration of an examination required for an endorsement, and for the issuance of an MMC.
The waiver applies to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service. This policy is available on the Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing policy website on the MMC Policy Webpage.

Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at:
MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback.

Merchant Marine Credentialing Basics

Merchant Marine Credentials (MMC) are credentials issued by the United States Coast Guard through the National Maritime Center. In general, there are two types of merchant fleets: those that operate in national waters and those that operate in international waters. The type of credential you need depends on the fleet type. There are several credentials for which you may be eligible depending on your military occupation, training, and experience.

The two general types of credentials issued to US mariners corresponding to the two fleet types are:

National Endorsements
National endorsements can be used for positions including passenger for hire vessels, charter boats, offshore supply vessels, tow boats and domestic operations.
Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW)
Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers are internationally recognized endorsements. STCW endorsements grant greater employment flexibility and are highly desired by employers working with large cargo vessels, international tows, tankers, and cruise ships.

Which Credential Is Right For You?

Which credential to choose is based on your professional experience and the requirements you meet as well as your professional goals. Small and large vessels are used in both national and STCW operation, so the "best" choice will depend on your personal goals and where you want to work. Depending on your military occupation, training and experience, you can be awarded different credits from the National Maritime Center towards your Merchant Mariner Credential. The two primary categories of credentials you would choose from are:

Engine
Engine means the department aboard a ship responsible for the main propulsion and auxiliary systems, and other mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and refrigeration systems, including deck machinery and cargo-handling equipment. For more information and topics on the Engine exam contents, see the USCG Engine Reference Library.
Deck
Deck means the department aboard a ship responsible for navigation, cargo, command, and control functions. Deck crew (excluding individuals serving under their officer endorsement) means, as used in 46 U.S.C. 8702, only the following members of the deck department: able seamen, boatswains, and ordinary seamen. For more information and topics on the Deck exam contents, see the USCG Deck Reference Library.

Some Deck functions currently in relatively high demand are highlighted in the Civilian Mariner Careers tab in the Related Occupations section on this page.

To evaluate your sea service for Merchant Marine credential eligibility, see the MilGears Mil-2-Mariner (M2M) Tool.

Military Training Approved By USCG (NMC)

To determine if your military or civilian training courses have been reviewed and accepted by the USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) for credit towards credentialing standards, review the approved course listings.

Some USCG NMC approved US Navy training is highlighted in this US Navy school report.

The following links provide copies of USCG approval letters that you may include in your application. These training approvals are based on a review of naval training to USCG/STCW endorsements. The approvals may meet USCG/STCW requirements in whole or fulfill a portion of training towards a USCG/STCW endorsement: (Check back often, as this listing of approvals is expected to expand)

NVIC Assessments

Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC) provide detailed guidance about the enforcement or compliance with a certain federal marine safety regulations and Coast Guard marine safety programs. Click here to learn move about NVICs.

The Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) assessments listed below are specifically related to training and experience certification of applicants as is required for Standard of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) credentials. A US Navy E5 or above who is approved by the commanding officer to sign off on equivalent level assessments, i.e. – Navy PQS, may sign off the NVIC STCW assessments for an applicant pursuing STCW credentials.

The STCW NVICs included in this section contain examples of forms showing the PQS and Navy training references in parenthesis for an applicant and the qualified assessor to reference. Below the examples are links to blank NVIC forms that you can print as the official source document, to be initialed and signed by the assessor in the appropriate spaces, and then submitted in the application package to the National Maritime Center. Click the items below to view the applicable links for the PDF files related to your Navy Rating and related STCW.

Record of Assessment for STCW – Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW)
- NVIC_06_14 RFPNW for Navy BM S-PACT (Example with Navy training references)
- NVIC_06_14 RFPNW Assessment Form (Blank)
Record of Assessment for STCW – Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW)
Record of Assessment for STCW – Officer in Charge of a Navigation Watch (OICNW)
- NVIC_12_14 OICNW Assessment Form (Blank)
Record of Assessment for STCW – Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW)
- NVIC_17_14 OICEW for Navy EE SWO (Example with Navy training references)
- NVIC_17_14 OICEW Assessment Form (Blank)
Record of Assessment for STCW – Able Seafarer - Deck
- NVIC_14_14 STCW Able Seafarer - Deck Assesment Form (Blank)
Record of Assessment for STCW – Able Seafarer - Engine
- NVIC_18_14_STCW_Able Seafarer - Engine for Navy EE (Example with Navy Training references)
- NVIC_18_14_STCW_Able Seafarer - Deck Assessment Form (Blank)

How to Apply for a Credential

Step 1: General Items
- Obtain a TWIC card
  Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) is a common identification credential used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), containing biometrics of the cardholder.
- Drug Testing
  Each USCG credential has drug testing requirements. See the USCG National Maritime Center website for specific information. Members can also consider individualizing this sample Drug Testing Participation letter which will be acceptable to the National Maritime Center reviewers. If using the Drug Testing Participation letter format, it must be dated within 180-days of the application. Reservists must have been on active duty for at least 60-days of the previous 180-days.
Step 2: Prepare Sea Service Letter

Navy Sailors can use the US Navy Vessel Information document and their own sea service record to complete the sea service letter requirement for inclusion in the application package. Sailors might find it helpful to refer to these blank sample letters or this complete Navy sample letter as they complete their sea service letter.
Step 3: Submit an Application
On the USCG National Maritime Center (NMC) website follow the instructions for E-mail Submission of Merchant Mariner Credential Applications. NOTE: Final submissions must be completed in person at a regional exam center.
Step 4: Application in Transit Monitor Status
You can check the status of your application. Statuses are updated daily.
Step 5: Application Review/Receipt of Credential
Safety and Suitability, Medical, and Professional Qualification application reviews are completed by TSA and NMC personnel.

For more detailed information on the application process go to the Mariner Credential Application Process website or follow the instructions in the Obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential brochure.

For more detailed information on mariner credentialing, go to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, Part 10 "Licensing of Maritime Personnel". Review both Chapter 1 Part 10 for Licensing of Maritime Personnel, and Chapter 1, Part 12 for Certification of Seamen for additional guidance on how to obtain a USCG credential.

Important Links

General Information on Mariner Credentialing - US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation
Applicability of Military Service Towards Merchant Mariner’s Documents - USCG Marine Safety Manual, Chapter 2
Other General Information - The following links are helpful in obtaining additional information on Merchant Marine Examinations/Assessments, Merchant Marine Documentation, Merchant Marine/STCW Credentialing, and Merchant Marine Credential Fees:
- Guide for Administration of Merchant Marine Examinations (Deck and Engineering Guide)
- Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) & STCW Certifications for Unlicensed Personnel
- Merchant Marine Credential Fees
- Frequently Asked Questions
- U.S. Navy Vessel Information - Navy Sailors can reference this chart for details on Ship Type, Name, Hull number, Ship Class, GRI ITC Tonnage, GRT Tonnage, Horsepower, and Propulsion Type.
- Sea Service Letter - Navy Sailors can use the Navy Vessel Information link above to complete the sea service letter requirement.
Civilian Mariner Career Information - For more information on mariner careers and employment opportunities in either government, civilian mariner service or the Merchant Marine Service see the Civilian Mariner Careers tab in the Related Occupations section on this page.

Related Civilian Occupations

The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran's Employment Center.

Civilian Job	Duties Matched	Bright Outlook	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
Chefs and Head Cooks	Some	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria	Most		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Cooks, Restaurant	Most	Bright Outlook	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Cooks, Short Order	Some			find local salary
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers	Some	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Fast Food and Counter Workers	Most	Bright Outlook		find local salary
File Clerks	Most			find local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers	Most	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Food Preparation Workers	Most	Bright Outlook		find local salary
Food Service Managers	Some		Apprenticeship	find local salary
Receptionists and Information Clerks	Some	Bright Outlook		find local salary

Related Federal Occupations

The following federal occupations are similar to CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.

Related Military Sealift Command Occupations

The following Military Sealift Command jobs are similar to CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine. For more information, click on the links below.

For information on how to attain a United States Coast Guard (USCG) credential through the National Maritime Center (NMC), see the USCG Licenses General Information tab in the Related Credentials section of this page.

Other Career Considerations

A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine can be found below.

Troops to Teachers

Important Note: The Department of Defense has cancelled the Troops to Teacher program, effective October 1, 2020. Participants enrolled before that date will continue to be supported through October 2021. Watch this space for additional information on transitioning to a career in education.

An additional resource for transitioning to a teaching career is the Troops to Teachers program. The Troops to Teachers program is a national program which provides support services to prepare military personnel for a career in teaching. Service members with a baccalaureate degree or higher are eligible to begin the traditional teaching certification process, however, Service members without a degree may also qualify to become a vocational/technical teacher. Click here for more information about the Troops to Teachers program.

COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:

Enlisted Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
Enlisted personnel may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if the Sailor is separating or retiring in the state in which he/she desires the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Enlisted Sailor should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
For each of the above opportunities, the Sailor must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.

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Civilian Mariner Careers

Active Duty and Reserve U.S. military personnel can explore the wide range of post-service career opportunities for civilian mariners within the maritime industry. The two primary employment sectors for civilian mariners are government and commercial industry, described below in the "Military Sealift Command (MSC)" section and the "Merchant Marine Industry" section. For detailed information about mariner careers, United States Coast Guard (USCG) credentialing requirements, and how to apply for USCG credentials through the National Maritime Center (NMC), U.S. Navy personnel can review the Blueprint to Mariner document to learn about funding opportunties. U.S. Army personnel should contact the U.S. Army Transportation School, Maritime and Intermodal Training Department (MQD) in Buildling 461, Ft Eustis, VA or call 757-878-6337 for more information.

For personalized information on Merchant Mariner credentials that may be attainable or nearly attainable based on your specific military experience and how to navigate the process, visit the Mil-2-Mariner (M2M) Tool on the MilGears website. The M2M Tool analyzes your entries and uploaded service records for creditable sea service, training and assessments that you completed during your military service and compares your results against the standard for an original or upgraded Merchant Mariner Credential to determine which credentials you may be able to pursue based on your specific military experience.

Direct-Hire Authority for Advancing Military to Mariner with the Department of Defense

The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness signed a memorandum on 8 October 2020 providing and delegating to military departments, agencies, and field activities, direct-hire authority to employ qualified separated members of the uniformed Services with valid merchant mariner licenses or sea service experience in support of United States national maritime needs.

This direct-hire authority enables the DoD to recruit and appoint separated members of the uniformed Services who are qualified candidates without applying competitive rating and ranking procedures. Qualified candidates are individuals who:

Possess a valid USCG Merchant Marine Credential
Meet the minimum standards for the position as published
Meet any selection placement factors and/or competencies identified as necessary for appointment to the position

Service members may be directly selected without a competitive job interview process. For more information see the Direct-Hire Authority for Advancing Military to Mariner within the DoD document.

For more information about Federal direct-hire policy, data, and oversight, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Hiring Information web page.

To evaluate your sea service for Merchant Marine credential eligibility, see the MilGears Mil-2-Mariner Tool.

Military Sealift Command (MSC)

One way to continue your service to your nation is through the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). As an MSC civil service mariner, you join the premier provider of ocean transportation for the Department of Defense which operates over 100 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships in support of the US Navy, deployed US forces, and coalition partners around the world. Learn more about Military Sealift Command at the "About MSC" page on their website. You can see which MSC occupations most closely relate to your military occupation in the MSC tab in the Related Occupations section on this page.

Merchant Marine Industry

Another way to serve as a civilian mariner outside of government service is as a US Merchant Marine. The merchant mariner industry consists of privately-owned, US registered merchant ships and a variety of towing, offshore supply, and passenger vessels which provide waterborne transportation for passengers and cargoes moving in domestic and international commerce. Primary shipboard employment categories include deep sea, Great Lakes, towing and barges, inland and coastal waters, passenger vessels, and offshore and mineral operations. Other areas of employment in the maritime industry include shipbuilding and repair, longshoring (cargo handling), port terminal administration, and intermodal logistics.

General information about the maritime industry can be found in the Maritime Careers Brochure and the Maritime Careers Resources Guide. The Maritime Industry website also includes numerous informative links to maritime companies, schools, and seaports.

In Demand Jobs in the Mariner Industry

Specific Deck functions currently in demand include:

Electronics Technician (ET)
An electronics technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair and management of sophisticated electronic equipment, including:
- command and control systems;
- shipboard weapons;
- guidance and fire-control systems;
- communications receivers and transmitters;
- data and voice encryption equipment;
- navigation and search radar;
- tactical electronic detection systems;
- and electronic navigation equipment.
For applicable entry-level credential checklist information, see the USCG National Maritime Center website. Go to the "Renewal/Entry/Duplicate" tab and select "National Entry Level Ratings" from the drop-down.
Storekeeper
Storekeepers are responsible for:
- performing all supply department functions assigned;
- directives and program specific directives;
- maintenance records;
- correspondence, reports, and returns;
- material identification for both government and commercial items;
- material expenditures, shipments, and surveys;
- processing Material Requirements External (MRE) transactions, which include logging onto the data system, processing customer requirements, issuing for own ship's use and completing transactions via warehouse processing.
For applicable entry-level credential checklist information, see the USCG National Maritime Center website. Go to the "Renewal/Entry/Duplicate" tab and select "National Entry Level Ratings" from the drop-down.
Medical
Medical Department Representatives (MDR) are:
- responsible for the health of all embarked personnel aboard the vessel;
- act as the vessel’s agent in all aspects of health, including health care, preventative medicine, environmental health, occupational health, and medical administration;
- trained as a Professional Nurse, Physician Assistant, or Hospital Corpsman with IDC Endorsement.
For the MDR license checklist information, see the USCG National Maritime Center website. Go to the "Deck Officers" tab and select "National Staff Officers" in the "National Officer Endorsements (licensed) for Deck" drop-down.
Culinary Professionals
Culinary professionals are responsible for:
- efficient operation of the galley/kitchen;
- progressive cooking techniques, menu development, and healthy recipe preparation;
- using the Armed Forces Recipe Service and local recipes and instructions;
- safely operating various food service equipment and instruments;
- following health and sanitation protocols associated with food service storing, use of leftovers and unused portions, thawing frozen foods, and other food safety procedures;
- maintaining inventory of galley equipment and utensils, and reporting discrepancies.
For applicable entry-level credential checklist information, see the USCG National Maritime Center website. Go to the "Renewal/Entry/Duplicate" tab and select "National Entry Level Ratings" from the dropdown.

Merchant Mariner Credentialing Information

Employment in the maritime industry as either a Military Sealift Command civil service mariner (CIVMAR) or a merchant mariner requires credentialing from the US Coast Guard through the National Maritime Center. Enlisted Active Duty and Reserve US Navy personnel in eligible ratings may have the credentialing fees and exams funded via Navy COOL. See the USCG Credentialing tab in the Related Credentials section of this page for more details about how to attain USCG credentials related to your Navy Rating or Collateral Duty. To evaluate your sea service for Merchant Marine credential eligibility, see the MilGears Mil-2-Mariner (M2M) Tool.

Additional Career Opportunities

There are numerous other good sources of information about career opportunities within the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the US Merchant Marine industry. You can learn more at the following links:

Military to Mariner page maintained by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD)
There are also career opportunities available for prior military as civilian mariners in the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Show All / Hide All

Voluntary Education

In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, voluntary education is another way to enhance job performance. Options for voluntary education include:

Navy College Program
VOLED Assistance Center
VOLED Region Advisors
Unofficial JST Transcript showing recommended American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations for this rating. For informational use only.

For help in making informed choices on schools, education programs, and using tuition assistance, see:

Tuition Assistance (TA) DECIDE

You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn about degree programs related to your training and experience and next steps towards pursuing a degree.

RECOMMENDED DEGREES

Navy Learning Center Recommended Degrees for CSS-Culinary Specialist Submarine

The following occupational-related degrees are recommended by the Navy Learning Center and are listed in the Navy Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for CSS.

You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn about degree programs related to your training and experience and next steps towards pursuing a degree.

Recommended Associate Degrees

AA - Associate in Arts (Business/Business Information Systems)
AA - Associate in Arts (Liberal Arts)
AA - Business Administration
AA - Business and Economics
AA - Information Systems
AA - Liberal Arts
AAS - Applied Health Studies
AAS - Business Administration (Management)
AAS - Food and Beverage Management
AAS - Hotel Management
AS - Business Administration
AS - Business Studies
AS - Industrial Management Technology
AS - Interdisciplinary Studies (General Studies)
AS - Liberal Arts

Recommended Bachelor/Master Degrees

BA - Administrative Leadership
BA - Human Resources
BA - Interdisciplinary Studies
BA - Liberal Arts
BA - Liberal Studies
BA - Organizational Development
BA - Sociology
BAAS - Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences
BBA - Business Administration (Banking)
BBA - Business Administration (Finance)
BBA - Business Administration (General Business)
BBA - Business Administration (Human Resource Management)
BBA - Business Administration (Management)
BBA - Business Administration (Marketing)
BBA - Business Administration (Retail Management)
BBA - Generalist
BGS - Bachelor of General Studies
BGS - Organizational Leadership
BS - Business - Accounting
BS - Business Administration
BS - Business Administration (General Management)
BS - Business Administration (Hospitality Management)
BS - Diplomacy and Military Studies
BS - Human Services
BS - Interdisciplinary Studies (Culinary Arts Management)
BS - Liberal Arts
BS - Organizational Leadership
BS - Psychology
BS - Religion
BS - Technical Management (General Technical)

COLLATERAL DUTY / OUT OF RATE ASSIGNMENTS

Collateral Duty / Out of Rate Assignments

Navy collateral duties/out of rate assignments play a vital role in the day-to-day operations and duties that Officers and Enlisted Sailors perform. Certifications and licenses are also available in these collateral duties/out of rate assignments, so please go to the Collateral Duty/Out of Rate Assignments search feature (under the Navigator) and explore more opportunities to get certified.

ACADEMIC DEGREES
PRIOR RATE OR DESIGNATOR
OFF-DUTY OR COMMAND-SPONSORED TRAINING
NAVY RESERVISTS
PRIOR OTHER-SERVICE OCCUPATION
CREDENTIALS EARNED & MAINTAINED PRIOR TO JOINING THE NAVY

Opportunities Related to Academic Degrees

Out of rate or designator requests for exam funding for credentials related to an earned academic degree or a semester course may also be funded if it can be directly related to an industry certification or state license.

For example, if you have a degree in Human Resources but are serving as a Culinary Specialist, you can get funding for a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.

If the completed degree is not in the Sailor's Joint Service Transcript (JST), the Sailor must provide proof of completion with the Voucher Request Form, OPNAV 1500/57 for funding approval. The requested credential must be included on the Navy COOL website, and the Sailor must meet all other eligibility requirements.

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Opportunities for Prior Rate or Designator Sailors

If you have cross-rated or redesignated, you now are eligible for certifications and licenses mapped to your prior rating or designator. The “Navy Bucks” icon on the Navy COOL page for your previous position/rate indicates which certifications and licenses may be funded.

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Opportunities Related to Off-Duty or Command-Sponsored Training

If you can document that you have completed an on- or off-duty training course that fully prepares you for a civilian certification or license, you may now be eligible to have the credential exam funded.

For example, if you took a Command-sponsored Emergency Medical Technician course, you may be eligible for funding for an EMT Basic credential.

The requested credential must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.

College course completion must be annotated in your Joint Service Transcript. Formal off-duty or command-sponsored training should be visible in your Electronic Training Jacket (ETJ). In lieu of an ETJ entry (where training cannot be entered into the ETJ) you will need to submit some form of, proof of completion (a certificate of completion from the course/training is sufficient). If neither of the previously mentioned methods of validating proof of completion are available, then a command correspondence (such as a command letter, memo, or PG-13 form) describing the training along with the OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Opportunities for Navy Reservists

If you are a Navy Reservist, officer or enlisted, you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to your civilian occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.

To validate your civilian occupation, you will need a screen shot from Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) showing the Civilian Occupational Code. Please send the NSIPS screenshot with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

In lieu of NSIPS documentation you may also submit a command endorsed and executed NAVPERS 1070/613 (PG-13) Administrative Remarks form noting your civilian occupation along with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form). You must sign the PG-13.

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Prior Other-Service Occupation

If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to prior other-Service (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks Navy Bucks icon icon to be funded.

To validate your prior other-Service occupation, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a document (e.g. DD-214; or Military Service School completion certificate; or other document) showing your other-Service occupation. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

Credentials Earned & Maintained Prior to Joining the Navy

If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials that were earned, and maintained, prior to entering the Navy. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks Navy Bucks icon icon to be funded.

To validate your earned & maintained credential, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a scanned or emailed document (e.g. credential certificate document, screenshot from your credential dashboard, digital badge, etc…) showing the credential earned and maintained. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).

As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.

E4
E5
E6
E7
NGSP Tool (Beta)
FAQs
Contact

E4

CSS • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

CSS • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

Reference documents for the substitute Active Duty E4 exam are available on the Archived Navy Advancement Bibliographies page.

E5

CSS • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

CSS • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

Reference documents for the substitute Active Duty E5 exam are available on the Archived Navy Advancement Bibliographies page.

E6

CSS • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

CSS • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

Reference documents for the substitute Active Duty E6 exam are available on the Archived Navy Advancement Bibliographies page.

E7

CSS • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

CSS • - SELRES

Bibliographies

Rating Topics and Subtopics

Reference documents for the substitute Active Duty E7 exam are available on the Archived Navy Advancement Bibliographies page.

Advancement Next Generation Study Planner (NGSP) - beta

The Advancement Next Generation Study Planner (NGSP), currently in beta, is a Sailor-developed tool.

It can assist you with:

Organizing your Advancement Bibliography
Setting and achieving bibliography study goals

NGSP Tool Download NGSP Tool

NGSP User's Guide Download NGSP User's Guide

Functionality Notes:

Requires Microsoft Excel or equivalent spreadsheet application
When loading the spreadsheet, you will have to accept the prompts to allow the macro/scripts to run
Make sure you save changes as you update the spreadsheet
You can print your saved spreadsheet, or print to PDF

This tool is provided via the Navy’s Advancement Center. Questions, comments, or recommended changes can be sent to:

Exam Development and Bibliographies
COM: (850) 473-6110
DSN: 753-6110
SFLY_EXAM_QUESTION@navy.mil

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A BIBLIOGRAPHY is provided by the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) to document the REFERENCES used by a subject matter expert (a Navy Chief in the rating) as the basis for writing the items on the Active Duty and Reserve Navy Advancement Exams. If a reference has been updated since the exam was created and differs from the reference listed here, the information in the updated reference will be used as the basis for scoring the exam.

General Exam FAQs Bibliography FAQs

INQUIRIES CONCERNING

Exam Development and Bibliographies
COM: (850) 473-6110
DSN: 753-6110
SFLY_EXAM_QUESTION@navy.mil

General Advancement Information
COM: (850) 473-6148
DSN: 753-6148
SFLY_NAVY_ADVANCEMEN@navy.mil