Boatswain’s Mates & Asbestos Exposure

Also present in the U.S. Coast Guard, the rating of boatswain’s mate entailed performing duties concerning deck maintenance, small boat operations, navigation and supervision of military personnel who were also serving on the ship. They would assist military personnel in all the activities which involved using the marlinspike, a tool used to tie large knots, and also in tasks regarding the deck, painting, the upkeep of the external structure of the ship, rigging and the boats.

In the military, boatswain’s mates were the experts in every aspect of deck seamanship and navigation. They were also in charge of commanding coastal patrol boats, river tenders, harbor tugs, and small shore units. Other duties boatswain’s mates would perform included repairing, maintaining and stowing equipment in preparation for underway operations, working in non-engineering divisions of the ship or station, doing temporary duty with food services divisions and participating in naval ceremonies.

Relevant job titles

ship, boat and barge mate
motorboat operator
painter
sailors and marine oiler
rigger
aviation boatswain's mate

Eligible
Veterans

Filing a claim with asbestos trust funds does not disqualify you from disability compensation from the VA.

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Asbestos-related cancer eligible for filing a claim

If you developed one of the following cancers as a result of occupational exposure, you are eligible for compensation. If you are too ill, a family member can help you with the legal process. In the unfortunate event that you pass away before recovering compensation, your surviving family members will receive compensation on your behalf.

Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma

Throat Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Bronchial Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

If, however, you struggle with non-cancerous pleural diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, COPD (emphysema & chronic bronchitis), pleurisy, lung nodules, lung spots, asthma, pneumonitis, tuberculosis, rounded atelectasis or lung scarring, please seek a second or even a third opinion as the rate of misdiagnosis is very high among the victims of asbestos exposure.