The purpose of this study was to identify the potential determinants and distribution of shipboard patient delegation decisions. During a 1-month period, physicians aboard five U.S. Navy ships with women assigned estimated the minimum numbers of healthcare providers needed to diagnose and treat each patient (N = 2,725). Results indicated the following distribution of potential patient assignment: consultation 1.4%, medical officer 18.6%, physician assistant/nurse practitioner 8.7%, corpsman with additional OB/GYN training 2.2%, and corpsman 69.2%. Diagnosis was the best predictor of the indicated level of healthcare required. The patient's sex and pay grade were unrelated to the potential levels of care provided.