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1St Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Passion. USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing ...

Passion. USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing ...

Passion. USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing ...

STCW, minimum 50T USCG Master/Mate Coastal License. * Valid US Driver's license. * The vessel is member of the US Maritime Consortium Travel: Traveling is required. The current itinerary is US based ...

$33.75 - $37/hr

The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The First Mate assists passengers in loading and off-loading safely. The First Mate assists in all aspects of vessel operations and maintenance as directed by Captain. Duties and Responsibilities:

The 1st Mate will provide direction to the crew, including setting crew schedules, directing crew as required with assignments of maintenance, cooking, cleaning, watch standing, and other such ...

VI/4: Medical First Aid Provider * VI/6: Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties NATIONAL * 3rd Mate Of Self Propelled Vessels Not Including Sail or Auxiliary Sail of Unlimited Tonnage Upon ...

Team-first mentality and communication skills * Commitment to safety and operational excellence Apply If You Are * A former Navy Boatswain's Mate transitioning to civilian maritime work * Experienced ...

The 1st Mate will provide direction to the crew, including setting crew schedules, directing crew as required with assignments of maintenance, cooking, cleaning, watch standing, and other such ...

Mate

Unalaska, AK · On-site

The mate is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Mate's must be ... Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one-month waiting ...

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Position Summary: 2nd Mate: The 2nd Mate is a licensed deck officer responsible for the safe ... Strong work ethics, values, and principles with safety as the first priority * Understand and be ...

Mate

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$32.15 - $53.58/hr

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. WHAT ...

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1St Mate information

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$22

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How much do 1st mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st mate in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 1st mate?

A 1st Mate, also known as the First Officer or Chief Mate, is the second-in-command on a ship and is responsible for overseeing the vessel’s daily operations, navigation, and safety procedures. They assist the Captain in managing the crew, handling cargo, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. The 1st Mate often leads safety drills, maintains logs, and acts as the ship’s officer in charge when the Captain is unavailable. This role is critical for smooth and safe ship operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Mate, you need strong seamanship skills, leadership abilities, and typically hold a relevant maritime certification such as a STCW endorsement or an Officer of the Watch license. Proficiency with navigational systems, shipboard safety equipment, and maintenance management software is commonly required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and teamwork skills help a 1st Mate effectively coordinate crew operations and respond to emergencies. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and smooth operation of the vessel under the captain’s direction.

What are some common challenges a 1st mate faces while managing the crew and vessel operations?

As a 1st Mate, one of the main challenges is balancing the operational needs of the vessel with crew management responsibilities. The role requires strong leadership to ensure safety protocols are followed, effective delegation of tasks, and clear communication across the team. Additionally, 1st Mates often need to adapt quickly to changing weather conditions, mechanical issues, or unexpected emergencies, all while maintaining morale and efficiency among the crew. Developing strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in this position.

What is the difference between 1St Mate vs Captain?

Aspect1St MateCaptain
CertificationsSTCW certifications, maritime licensesSame as 1St Mate, often with additional leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, assisting the captainOnboard ships, overall vessel command
ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety, supervising crewOverall vessel operation, decision-making, leadership

The 1St Mate and Captain roles are closely related in the maritime industry. The 1St Mate primarily assists the Captain with navigation and safety, while the Captain holds overall command of the vessel. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but the Captain has broader responsibilities and authority onboard.

How much does a 1st mate make?

A 1st mate, also known as chief mate, typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on the vessel size, experience, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on the maritime industry, with additional compensation for overtime and travel.
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What are popular job titles related to 1St Mate jobs?

For 1St Mate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 1St Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required

Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing operations and port calls; coordinates with other vessel departments during fishing operations, offload, backload and during transfer of personnel; inspects all areas of the vessel on an ongoing basis to ensure proper storage of supplies and product. Mates maintain records, reports and documents as required by the company, the US Coast Guard and other agencies. Mates also conduct safety drills and train the crew in performing safe work practices in accordance with OSHA, company policy and other guidelines. Mates provide emergency or routine medical assistance to crew, and coordinate for proper transfer of crew requiring additional medical care. Mates may perform the work of a deckhand as necessary (see Deckhand job description).

Essential Duties

Mates must be able to:

  • Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include but not limited to:
    • Commercial fishing equipment - Net reel, trawl gear, winches, cranes
    • Navigational equipment - Sonar, radar, fathometer, GPS
    • Communications equipment - VHF, satellite, telex, radio
  • Supervise bridge watch standing activities.
  • Supervise and direct all deck personnel.
  • Supervise all operations of the vessel not involving the direct operation of the factory.
  • Coordinate with all vessel departments and supervise on a continual basis.
  • Manage all at-sea medical and emergency operations.
  • Provide direct medical care to injured crew as necessary.
  • Direct the transfer of crew on and off the vessel.
  • Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory agencies.
  • Inspect vessel areas on a regular basis to ensure safe operation and the proper storage of supplies and product.

Work Schedule

  • Typical work hours are 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, however, the Mate is responsible on a 24 hours per day basis.
  • Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
  • Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
  • Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid, and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets, and aluminum pans.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
  • While performing the duties of this job, Mates are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Requirements

Education, Experience

  • Catcher processor captain experience.
  • USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons)
  • USCG Medical Emergency response training.
  • USCG Drill Instructor training.
  • Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
  • 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years.

Physical Demands

All employees must be able to:

  • Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob's ladder without assistance.
  • Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
  • Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
  • Work at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
  • Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
  • Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
  • Use fingers, hands, and arms to push, pull and reach.
  • Bend and twist.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
  • Work in a cold and wet environment.
  • Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O'Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities

All employees must be able to:

  • Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
  • Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Live and work with others in close quarters.
  • Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
  • Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
  • Discern between various shades of color for reading navigational equipment, charts, identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms and warnings.

Benefits

  • Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
  • 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
  • O'Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Compensation

  • Crew-share compensation
  • $850 - $1150 average daily rate DOE

O'Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.