Im going in the Coast Guard as a BM, what should i expect me job's duties will...

[Anthony S]

...intell? Tell me the good and the bad as a BM

[Laird C]

Ship- and small boat-handling. Rigging. Painting. Chipping paint.

Basically, if it's on the outside of a boat or ship, the Bosun's Mates are responsible for it. Lines and line-handling, rigging, anchors, cleats, chocks, davits, small craft, superstructure and hull, and all the rest.

The rules are simple:
If it moves, salute it.
If it doesn't move, polish it.
If you can't polish it, paint it.
If you can't paint it, throw it overboard 'cause it's useless.
:-D

OK, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but only a bit. Bosun's Mates are the real sailor-men and -women of the force. They work damned hard, in all kinds of weather. They also learn a LOT of useful skills, and are utterly invaluable. No Bosun's Mates, no ship.

*edit*
Throughout a Navy career that included submarines and surface ships both, I NEVER saw anyone painting the hull overside whilst underway. It's a foolish and dangerous thing to do. I cannot imagine the circumstances that would lead to such an event. Hull painting takes place when either moored or anchored.

Anyone that claimed the Bosun's Mate rate was the worst rate in the Nav is simply ignorant, or is blowing smoke up your backside. It *is* a HARD working rate, make no mistake about it, but there are worse jobs at sea, in my experience. Anyone wearing the crossed anchors has my respect.

[older redneck]

A Boatswain's Mate is exposed to the severities of the weather.
They operate and work on the boats. They clean the decks. They are sometimes known as "deckapes". But the job has its good aspects as well. If your ship intercepts a suspected drug runner, you'll be a part of boarding and arresting the smugglers.
Furthermore, the Coastguard is probably the most elite branch of the US Armed Forces. Your training will directly apply to you being able to obtain an "Able-bodied Seaman" card when you get out and you can be in the Merchant Marine. And all law enforcement agencies like to recruit former "Coasties" because they are so well-trained. And, if you don't like being a BM, in a little while you will be able to switch into some job you like better.
Make them a good seaman, and you have a bright future.