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Captain First Mate Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

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 ...

Guestservices

$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 ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL

Boat captains usually have to work their way up through the ranks of third, second and first mate before attaining captain status. This can take anywhere from three to four years or more. All boat ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Captain

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

Boat captains usually have to work their way up through the ranks of third, second and first mate before attaining captain status. This can take anywhere from three to four years or more. All boat ...

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All JobsCaptain First Mate JobsCaptain First Mate Jobs in Florida

Captain First Mate information

See Florida salary details

$4

$19

$36

How much do captain first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for captain first mate in Florida is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a captain first mate earn?

A captain first mate's salary varies depending on the industry, experience, and vessel size, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. They often hold certifications such as a captain's license and have extensive maritime experience, working in environments like commercial ships, yachts, or fishing vessels.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a captain first mate?

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 the responsibilities of a captain first mate?

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 does a captain first mate 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.
What are popular job titles related to Captain First Mate jobs in Florida? For Captain First Mate jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Captain First Mate jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Captain First Mate jobs in Florida are:
Captain First Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Captain First Mate job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,003 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

First Mate

M.C. Dean, Inc

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 443 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Position Description:
Steering, de-watering, working with electronic navigation aids, maintaining the deck log, planning the loading and unloading of cargo, and providing boat maintenance.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
  • Assisting the Captain in the operation and maintenance of the yacht
  • Overseeing the deck maintenance and inventory.
  • Participating in navigation and watch keeping and security of the ship's assets.
  • Maintaining and updating charts, navigation equipment, and safety equipment,
  • Handling guest requests and complaints
  • Standing in for the captain in their absence.
  • Tender driving and small boat handling experience.

Qualifications
Experience / Requirements:
  • Minimum 3+ years of experience in the same or a similar position.
  • 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 on the East Coast. Home port is Miami Beach, FL with a secondary port in Washington, DC.
Ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and eagerness to grow and excel as this position has growth potential.
Abilities
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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