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1St Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Role As a union mate you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and ... Train on and gain first hand experience with marine propulsion systems, various towing ...

General Expectations As a Mate, you will be working and living aboard during your on-hitch period. Basic expectations and responsibilities include navigating, towing operations, basic computer ...

As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel Captain to command the vessel in and out of harbors, rivers, and coastal passages, assist with cargo operations, and stand navigation watch while ...

As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel Captain to command the vessel in and out of harbors, rivers, and coastal passages, assist with cargo operations, and stand navigation watch while ...

Mate

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$52.08 - $62.73/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew members are subject to his/her orders. Mates are direct representatives of Moran and are responsible ...

Temporary Mate

Calvert, TX · On-site

$20.94/hr

Mate is assigned to the excursion boat, Wm. B. Tennison, docked at Calvert Marine Museum in ... The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on October 1st. Please Note: A ...

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1St Mate information

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$22

$25

$29

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 states have the most 1St Mate jobs?

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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.

Second Mate (ATB)

Channelview, TX • On-site

Centerline Logistics Corporation
Transportation and Warehousing • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Centerline Logistics rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Acts as third in command of the tug. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders and directions of the Captain. The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: cargo pumps, assist in operating tank/pipeline valves, operate manual and hydraulic booms. Must be prepared to assume command in the event of incapacity of the Captain.


  • Stands wheelhouse watch with the Captain and Chief Mate, generally when the vessel is beyond the sea buoy. When the unit is inside the sea buoy the Second Mate should be prepared to assist with cargo operations on the barge.
  • Oversees safety of vessel including all installed equipment and inspections thereof.
  • Safely handles lines and wires as appropriate for mooring operations.
  • Maintains chart corrections and light lists, Coast Pilots and all other applicable publications for Area of Operations.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and direct workers in assigning jobs and seeing them through to completion.
  • Must be able to train assigned workers. Instruct deckhands in seamanship skills and on use of all tools and machinery aboard the vessel.
  • Assists Captain in barge landings and must be able to communicate distances and directions to Captain clearly, accurately and concisely.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Become familiar with and enforce company safety practices.
  • Complete accurate paperwork. Knowledge of basic arithmetic skills (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
  • Maintain professional relations with customers.
  • Check oil and water in any equipment on board before putting in use.
  • Responsible for general barge maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Assists in hydrostatic testing cargo hoses and piping.
  • Change engine oil and filters.
  • Splice barge lines and boom running gear.
  • Inspecting for cleanliness of vessel and barge.
  • Inventory supplies and order as appropriate.
  • Monitor onboard usage to ensure supplies are utilized in an efficient manner.

  • Must have a valid Mate Coast Guard license 200 GT near Coastal or Oceans with radar observer endorsement or higher.
  • Tankerman PIC or Tankerman Assist, preferred
  • Previous experience as a Mate or Master of a tug hauling oil barges.
  • Previous experience as a tank barge operator on oil barges preferred.
  • Knowledge of Coast Guard and state requirements for transfer operations.
  • Completion of Coast Guard approved firefighting training.
  • Knowledge of company safety practices.
  • Valid state driver’s
  • Valid first aid certificate and CPR training.
  • Complete 24 hour HAZWOPER training within 30 days of hire.
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Must be able to understand and use information in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Ability to be self-motivated and to think and respond quickly to emergency situations (oil spills, mechanical failures, etc.).
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.
  • The maximum facial hair you can have is a mustache & a short goatee, nothing can extend below your jaw line.
  • Must pass a respirator fit test as a pre-employment requirement and again once a year.

  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, and winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, and electrical cords. Air purifying respirator, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), air monitoring equipment, hearing protection, VHF radio, hand tools, tow lines, high level alarms and thermometer. Operates diesel engines, cargo pumps, hydraulic booms, cargo gear, gate valves, and butterfly valves.
  • Must not be afraid of heights.
  • Must be able to work around mooring lines, cables, shackles, and moving gear in wet conditions and be able to maintain situational-awareness for themselves and fellow crew members around them when working on deck, in foul wet weather in low light.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the job analysis and be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, kneel while painting, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.

  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.

Centerline Logistics is a leading provider of marine transportation services in the United States. Centerline Logistics operates on the United States West Coast (including Alaska and Hawaii), United States East Coast (including Puerto Rico), the United States Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River System. Services provided include the transportation and storage of petroleum products, tanker escort, ship assist, the transportation of general cargo and rescue towing. Centerline Logistics is the parent company of eight businesses specializing in marine services and a bulk liquids terminal business. Centerline Logistics provides accounting, administrative, human resources, safety and environmental services, and other support to the subsidiary companies.

The Company offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D options to our employees and their eligible dependents after meeting Company requirements. 401(k) options, Disability Insurance, sick pay, vacation pay, 10 paid holidays per calendar year (subject to work schedule) and Healthcare and/or Dependent Care FSAs are also available to our employees after meeting Company requirements. All benefits information may be subject to change based on any current or updated benefit plan year changes and/or Collective Bargaining Agreements.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.


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