The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a specific leadership billet on a U.S. Navy submarine, while a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) is a distinct enlisted rank grade found across the entire Navy.
Key Differences
- Rank Level: A Chief Petty Officer holds paygrade E-7. A Chief of the Boat holds a much higher rank, usually Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8) or Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9).
- Scope of Role: A Chief Petty Officer leads a specific division, work center, or technical specialty. The Chief of the Boat is the single senior enlisted advisor for an entire submarine.
- Assignment: Any qualified E-7 can serve as a Chief Petty Officer in various units. There is only one Chief of the Boat per submarine, acting as the submarine equivalent of a Command Master Chief.
Responsibilities
- Chief Petty Officer (E-7): Mentors junior sailors, manages technical equipment, trains personnel, and bridges the gap between lower-tier sailors and junior division officers.
- Chief of the Boat (E-8/E-9): Manages crew discipline, advocates for the enlisted force directly to the submarine’s Commanding Officer, oversees boat-wide training, and serves as the chief qualification officer on board.