Chief of the Boat
The Chief of the Boat ( COB ) is the longest-serving NCO on a submarine in the US Navy , usually with the rank of Senior or Master Chief Petty Officer .
General
The COB reports directly to the commanding officer (CO), but also supports and advises the first officer (XO) in matters relating to order on the boat. There is only one COB on a boat. He is responsible for the daily routine, morale and training of NCOs and crew ranks on board.
When a new sailor comes on board, he will usually be the first to meet the COB. Although the COB is not in any direct chain of command above or below the sailor, he has a high level of authority in his position and forms the head of an imaginary chain of command of NCOs and crew ranks.
The path to the post of a COB begins with the COB's proposal, which he passes on to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the squadron commander . If a sailor is nominated for the post, he is heard by a commission of other COBs, which then also make a recommendation for appointment.
In German-speaking countries
The longest- serving boatswain on board is also referred to in the navy and often in general merchant shipping as the nautical No. 1 or Smadding.