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Captain First Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Captain First Mate information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do captain first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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:

What job categories do people searching Captain First Mate jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Captain First Mate jobs are:

Infographic showing various Captain First Mate job openings in the United States as of August 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.

Research Vessel Captain and Fisheries Gear Specialist

Lynker Corporation

Pascagoula, MS

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview

Lynker Corporation is seeking Research Vessel Captains and Fisheries Gear Specialists to support NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Support (FATES) Division. These proposed roles will operate and maintain research vessels, serve as Captain or First Mate during research cruises, and provide fishing gear construction, technical, research, and outreach support. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.

The FATES Harvesting Systems Branch provides the vessel, fishing gear, and engineering capabilities needed to conduct safe and effective fisheries science. The Branch develops, repairs, and produces research and commercial fishing gear while supporting technologies and operational methods that advance sustainable fisheries and reduce unwanted environmental impacts.

ResponsibilitiesDuties of the Research Vessel Captain and Gear Specialist will include the following:
  • Construct and maintain Turtle Excluder Devices, Bycatch Reduction Devices, and other selective fishing gear.
  • Provide fishing gear expertise for Harvesting Unit research projects.
  • Provide gear and at-sea support during Mississippi Laboratories survey cruises.
  • Prepare, maintain, and operate Class III research vessels.
  • Serve as Captain or First Mate aboard Mississippi Laboratories research cruises.
  • Support safe navigation, vessel seaworthiness, vessel cleanliness, cargo and deck-equipment handling, vessel stores, and general vessel operations.
  • Assist with workshops and training for commercial fishers in the Southeast and internationally concerning federally required fishing gear.
  • Train federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on procedures for inspecting federally required fishing gear.
  • Prepare reports documenting outreach, training, vessel, research, and gear-support activities.
QualificationsThe Research Vessel Captain and Gear Specialist should have the following:
  • At least five years of experience constructing and repairing nets in a commercial fishery or net shop.
  • At least five years of experience serving as Captain of a research or fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipment.
  • A current United States Coast Guard Master License for vessels of 100 tons or greater.
  • Proficiency reading fishing gear technical schematics and applying gear-construction techniques.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
  • Ability to maintain all certifications and training required by the NOAA Small Boat Program for Class III vessels.
The ideal Research Vessel Captain and Gear Specialist will have the following preferred qualifications:
  • Knowledge of selective fishing methods and technology used in commercial fisheries.
  • Ability to deliver effective technical presentations using computer and multimedia equipment.
  • Ability to provide hands-on demonstrations and training in fishing gear construction.
  • Small boat operation certification for fast rescue boats.
  • Knowledge of fishing gear regulations.
Work Environment

The position is based in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and includes work aboard Class III research vessels, in laboratories, net shops, warehouses, dockside environments, and at fisheries outreach locations. At-sea work and service as Captain or First Mate are central responsibilities. Domestic and international travel may be required for outreach and training. Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Travel and overtime must be authorized in accordance with contract requirements.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

* This position is not currently funded and is contingent upon contract award. Employment is subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

  Employment Type: CONTRACTOR