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3Rd Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valid Unlimited 3rd Mate Licenses (Home country and Flag state) * Knowledge of all technical calculations required for the safe operation of the marine aspect of the vessel. * Basic computer skills

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers ...

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How much do 3rd mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd mate in the United States is $29.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between 3Rd Mate vs 2Nd Mate?

Aspect3Rd Mate2Nd Mate
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, STCW Personal Survival TechniquesSTCW Basic Safety, Advanced Fire Fighting
Work EnvironmentDeck department, assisting navigation and safetyDeck department, more responsibilities in navigation and watchkeeping
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime shipping companies, cruise linesMaritime shipping companies, cargo vessels

The main difference between a 3Rd Mate and a 2Nd Mate lies in their responsibilities and experience level. The 2Nd Mate typically has more advanced certifications and takes on greater duties in navigation and watchkeeping. Both roles are essential in the deck department of ships, but the 2Nd Mate is usually more experienced and trusted with more complex tasks.

What are some common challenges a 3rd Mate may encounter during a typical voyage?

As a 3rd Mate, you may face challenges such as adapting to shifting schedules, managing bridge watchkeeping duties, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. You will need to stay alert during long or overnight watches, respond quickly to changes in weather or traffic, and coordinate with other deck officers and crew members. Additionally, the responsibility of maintaining navigational equipment and assisting with cargo operations requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

What are 3rd Mates on a ship?

A 3rd Mate, also known as Third Officer, is a licensed member of a ship’s deck department. They are responsible for navigational watch, safety equipment inspections, and assisting in daily operations to ensure the vessel’s safe and efficient passage. The 3rd Mate typically stands watch on the bridge, updates navigational charts, and helps oversee the loading and unloading of cargo. They also play a role in emergency procedures and crew training, making them an essential part of the ship's operational team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd Mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Mate, you need a solid understanding of navigation, seamanship, cargo handling, and safety procedures, typically supported by a bachelor's degree from a maritime academy and a valid U.S. Coast Guard license or equivalent certification. Familiarity with navigational equipment, radar, ECDIS systems, and safety management protocols is essential. Strong leadership, situational awareness, and effective communication help a 3rd Mate excel in coordinating crew activities and responding to emergencies. These competencies are crucial to ensuring safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and the well-being of crew and cargo at sea.
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What cities are hiring for 3Rd Mate jobs? Cities with the most 3Rd Mate job openings:
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Infographic showing various 3Rd Mate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,609 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Third Mate

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Marine Third Mate- Full Time
This is a day cruise line with daily shift schedules requiring local availability and reliable transportation.
Current credentials-
Mate Unlimited
Marine National Endorsement Near Coastal or higher.
Full time Mates job sailing daily form Port Canaveral.
Home every night.
Unlimited time for license upgrades.
A third mate is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The third mate is a watchstander and customarily the ship's safety officer and fourth-in-command. The position is junior to a second mate. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, its crewing, and other factors.
Duties related to the role of safety officer focus on responsibility for items such as firefighting equipment, lifeboats, and various other emergency systems.
Watchstanding
International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations require the officer be fluent in the English language. This is required for a number of reasons. Examples include the ability to read charts and nautical publications, understand weather and safety messages, communicate with other ships and coast stations, and to successfully interact with a multi-lingual crew.
General Watchstanding
Emergencies can happen at any time. The officer must be ready at all times to safeguard passengers and crew. After a collision or grounding, the mate must be able to take initial action, perform damage assessment and control, and understand the procedures for rescuing persons from the sea, assisting ships in distress, and responding to any emergency which may arise in port.
Controlling ship operations
The officer has special responsibilities to keep the ship, the people on board and the environment safe. This includes keeping the ship seaworthy during fire and loss of stability, and providing aid and maintaining safety during man overboard, abandoning ship, and medical emergencies.
Understanding ship's stability, trim, stress, and the basics of ship's construction is a key to keeping a ship seaworthy. The mate must know what to do in cases of flooding and loss of buoyancy. Fire is also a constant concern. Knowing the classes and chemistry of fire, fire-fighting appliances and systems prepares the officer to act fast in case of fire.
An officer must be expert in the use of survival craft and rescue boats, their launching appliances and arrangements, and their equipment including radio life-saving appliances, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protective aids. In case it is necessary to abandon ship, it is important to be expert in the techniques for survival at sea.

Officers are trained to perform medical tasks and to follow instructions given by radio or obtained from guides. This training includes what to do in case of common shipboard accidents and illnesses.
Sea watch
At sea, the mate on watch has three fundamental duties: to navigate the ship, to safely avoid traffic, and to respond to any emergencies that may arise. Mates generally stand watch with able seamen who act as helmsman and lookout. The helmsman executes turns and the lookout reports dangers such as approaching ships. These roles are often combined to a single helmsman/lookout and, under some circumstances, can be eliminated completely. The ability to smartly handle a ship is key to safe watchstanding. A ship's draught, trim, speed and under-keel clearance all affect its turning radius and stopping distance. Other factors include the effects of wind and current, squat, shallow water and similar effects. Ship handling is key when the need arises to rescue a person overboard, to anchor, or to moor the ship.
Victory Casino Cruises has a No Visible Tattoo Policy.
For this position you must be cleared of all hand, face amp; neck tattoos.
You will be required to obtain a TWIC and MMC. Acceptable documents to obtain badging are Passport OR Government issued photo ID and certified copy of Birth Certificate. Supporting documents would be needed for a name change.