Coast Guard
Rating MK
Machinery Technician
Coast Guard MK (Machinery Technician) typically involves mechanical systems maintenance, electronics and systems troubleshooting.
Common Exposures
🧪 Chemicals
Solvents, flux, cleaning agents for electronics
🔊 Noise
Equipment noise in work areas
💪 Physical Strain
Repetitive hand motions, awkward positions
🔊 Noise
Engine and machinery noise
🧪 Chemicals
Diesel fumes, oil, solvents, hydraulic fluid
💪 Physical Strain
Heavy lifting, repetitive motions
🌦️ Environmental
Heat, confined engine spaces
Likely Service-Connected Conditions
| Diagnostic Code | Condition | Likelihood | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5237 | Lumbosacral or cervical strain | High | Heavy lifting and awkward positions |
| 6260 | Tinnitus, recurrent | High | Constant engine and machinery noise |
| 5242 | Degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (also, see either DC 5003 or 5010) | Medium | Repetitive strain from mechanical work |
| 6847 | Sleep Apnea Syndromes | Medium | Shift work and irregular schedules |
☢️ PACT Act & Toxic Exposure
Select the era that best matches when you served to see how this job’s toxic exposures changed over time.
Vietnam Era
📅 1962-1975
Agent Orange / Herbicides
PACT Act
Possible Blue Water Navy herbicide contamination or riverine contact exposure.
Asbestos
Exposure from older brakes, insulation, gaskets, and engine-room materials.
Asbestos
Common shipboard asbestos exposure before major remediation efforts.
Diesel / JP Fuel
Routine fuel exposure during engine maintenance and repair.
Hydraulic Fluid
Exposure during repair of fluid power systems and equipment.
Noise
Chronic machinery and engine noise exposure.
Noise
Engine, impact, and shipboard industrial noise exposure.
Paint / Solvents
Exposure from chipping, painting, and preserving hulls and spaces.
River Patrol Contaminants
Fuel, waste, and waterborne contaminants in river and harbor operations.
Solvents
Degreasers, parts cleaners, and solvent baths used in mechanical work.
Cold War Era
📅 1945-1991
Asbestos
Exposure from older brakes, insulation, gaskets, and engine-room materials.
Asbestos
Heavy asbestos exposure in ship insulation, engine rooms, and brake systems.
Asbestos
Common shipboard asbestos exposure before major remediation efforts.
Asbestos
Asbestos pipe lagging and insulation exposure in older ships.
Contaminated Harbors
Industrial harbor contaminants during ship maintenance and mooring operations.
Diesel / JP Fuel
Routine fuel exposure during engine maintenance and repair.
Hydraulic Fluid
Exposure during repair of fluid power systems and equipment.
Lead
Lead-based paints, solder, and industrial coatings in older platforms.
Lead Paint
Lead paint chipping, sanding, and coating removal on ships and facilities.
Noise
Chronic machinery and engine noise exposure.
Noise
Engine, impact, and shipboard industrial noise exposure.
Paint / Solvents
Exposure from chipping, painting, and preserving hulls and spaces.
Solvents
Degreasers, parts cleaners, and solvent baths used in mechanical work.
Gulf War Era
📅 1990-2001
Depleted Uranium
PACT Act
Potential uranium dust exposure in damaged or recovered vehicles.
Oil Contamination
PACT Act
Work on vehicles and equipment fouled by petroleum smoke and residue.
Oil Spill Cleanup
PACT Act
Port and maritime oil spill cleanup exposure.
Asbestos
Exposure from older brakes, insulation, gaskets, and engine-room materials.
Asbestos
Common shipboard asbestos exposure before major remediation efforts.
Diesel / JP Fuel
Routine fuel exposure during engine maintenance and repair.
Hydraulic Fluid
Exposure during repair of fluid power systems and equipment.
Noise
Chronic machinery and engine noise exposure.
Noise
Engine, impact, and shipboard industrial noise exposure.
Paint / Solvents
Exposure from chipping, painting, and preserving hulls and spaces.
Port Contamination
Contaminated harbor sediment and industrial port exposure.
Solvents
Degreasers, parts cleaners, and solvent baths used in mechanical work.
Post-9/11 Era
📅 2001-present
Burn Pits
PACT Act
Ongoing exposure to burn pit smoke while maintaining vehicles and generators.
PFAS Exposure
PACT Act
Potential PFAS exposure from contaminated base water or firefighting foam runoff.
Sand / Dust Particulates
PACT Act
Heavy dust ingress into engines and repair bays.
Asbestos
Exposure from older brakes, insulation, gaskets, and engine-room materials.
Asbestos
Common shipboard asbestos exposure before major remediation efforts.
Diesel / JP Fuel
Routine fuel exposure during engine maintenance and repair.
Hydraulic Fluid
Exposure during repair of fluid power systems and equipment.
Noise
Chronic machinery and engine noise exposure.
Noise
Engine, impact, and shipboard industrial noise exposure.
Paint / Solvents
Exposure from chipping, painting, and preserving hulls and spaces.
Solvents
Degreasers, parts cleaners, and solvent baths used in mechanical work.