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Captain First 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 ...

First Mate

Miami, FL · On-site

Assisting the Captain in the operation and maintenance of the yacht * Overseeing the deck ... STCW, minimum 50T USCG Master/Mate Coastal License. * Valid US Driver's license. * The vessel is ...

$33.75 - $37/hr

Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving the dock. * Educate and inform guests about Everglades Park history including crocodiles, manatees ...

The First Mate assists the Captain to safely moor, operate, and maintain company vessels. The First Mate assists passengers in loading and off-loading safely. The First Mate assists in all aspects of ...

Sales Associate, Part Time MA

Nantucket, MA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Captain (Store Manager)/First Mate (Assistant Manager)/Second Mate (Management Trainee)Overview:Responsible for assisting the management team (Captain, First Mates, and Second Mates) in driving sales ...

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Captain First Mate information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do captain first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for captain first mate in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Captain First Mate, you need strong maritime navigation skills, knowledge of vessel operations, and relevant certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and STCW endorsement. Familiarity with GPS, radar systems, electronic chart displays, and safety management protocols is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing crew and responding to challenges at sea. Mastering these skills ensures safe vessel operation, regulatory compliance, and efficient teamwork during voyages.

What is the difference between Captain First Mate vs Captain?

AspectCaptain First MateCaptain
CertificationsSTCW certifications, maritime licensesSame as First Mate, plus additional leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, assisting captain, overseeing crewOnboard ships, commanding vessel, making strategic decisions
Employer & IndustryMaritime shipping, yachting, cruise linesMaritime shipping, yachting, cruise lines
Search & ComparisonOften compared for crew hierarchy, support rolesHigher leadership, command responsibilities

The Captain First Mate and Captain roles are closely related in the maritime industry. The First Mate primarily supports the captain, assisting with navigation, safety, and crew management, and holds similar certifications. The captain, however, has overall command of the vessel, making strategic and operational decisions. Both roles work in similar environments and industries, but the captain's responsibilities are broader and more leadership-focused.

What are Captain First Mate responsibilities?

A Captain First Mate, often simply called a First Mate, is the second-in-command on a ship and acts as the primary assistant to the Captain. Their main duties include overseeing the crew, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, managing navigation and watch schedules, and handling emergency procedures. The First Mate also assists with maintenance, cargo operations, and enforcing safety regulations, making them a crucial leader on board. In the Captain’s absence, the First Mate assumes full command of the ship.

How do Captain First Mates typically collaborate with crew members to ensure smooth vessel operations?

Captain First Mates play a key leadership role, acting as the primary link between the captain and the rest of the crew. They are responsible for assigning tasks, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. Close collaboration with engineers, deckhands, and other crew members is essential, as the First Mate coordinates activities such as navigation, maintenance, and emergency drills. Effective communication and teamwork are vital, as the role often involves resolving conflicts and ensuring everyone is aligned with the vessel's objectives.
More about Captain First Mate jobs
What states have the most Captain First Mate jobs? States with the most job openings for Captain First Mate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Captain First Mate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
First Mate

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 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.