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Captain Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

The 2nd Mate reports to the Captain and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS * Experience as Mate operating a ...

The Mate's duties will include safe operation of vessels during appointed shifts, oversight of ... Plan and schedule vessel crew changes with Port Captain and Operations Support Specialist

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

The 2nd Mate reports to the Captain and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS * Experience as Mate operating a ...

Minimum of 5 years experience as either Captain or 1st Mate on passenger-carrying vessels. * Extensive experience in the operations of vessels in diverse waters such as Southeast Alaska, the Snake ...

Captain

Juneau, AK · On-site

Minimum of 5 years experience as either Captain or 1st Mate on passenger-carrying vessels. * Extensive experience in the operations of vessels in diverse waters such as Southeast Alaska, the Snake ...

Captain

Juneau, AK · On-site

Minimum of 5 years experience as either Captain or 1st Mate on passenger-carrying vessels. * Extensive experience in the operations of vessels in diverse waters such as Southeast Alaska, the Snake ...

Captain

Juneau, AK · On-site

Minimum of 5 years experience as either Captain or 1st Mate on passenger-carrying vessels. * Extensive experience in the operations of vessels in diverse waters such as Southeast Alaska, the Snake ...

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 ...

Either the Captain or Mate will be on watch at all times. * The Captain is responsible for setting an hourly inspection schedule of the engine room spaces and the bilge to be performed 24/7. * The ...

Captain Benton has been with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia since 2000. He is personally active ... Mate: Description/Job Summary: The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and ...

Captain Benton has been with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia since 2000. He is personally active ... Mate: Description/Job Summary: The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and ...

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain ... Mate: Description/Job Summary: The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and ...

Life Raft Tech/Driver

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Boards vessel and identifies self and purpose of visit to captain, mate or engineer. * Locates and inspects rafts and/or other lifesaving/fire equipment. * Reads and records data on quality control ...

Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$450 - $650/day

Our vessel typically carries a Captain and three Mates during fishing operations. Requirements You must have a current USCG MMC, USCG Mate of UFIV (Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessel) - Third Mate ...

McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain ... Mate: Description/Job Summary: The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and ...

Second Mate

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $24/hr

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 ...

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Captain Mate information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do captain mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for captain 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 typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Captain Mate on board a vessel?

A Captain Mate commonly assists the Captain with navigation, supervises deck operations, ensures compliance with safety procedures, and manages the crew. Daily tasks may include maintaining logbooks, performing safety drills, overseeing cargo operations, and monitoring weather and sea conditions. The role requires close collaboration with both the Captain and other crew members, often acting as a bridge between leadership and the team. This hands-on position offers valuable experience for those interested in advancing to more senior maritime roles, such as Chief Mate or Captain.

What is a Captain Mate job?

A Captain Mate, also known as a First Mate or Chief Mate, assists the Captain in operating and navigating a vessel. They oversee safety procedures, crew management, and cargo handling while ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. The Mate also takes command when the Captain is unavailable and helps with navigation, maintenance, and emergency protocols. This role requires strong leadership, seamanship skills, and relevant certifications depending on the vessel size and type.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Captain Mate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Captain Mate, you need a strong understanding of navigation, seamanship, and vessel operations, with formal maritime training and certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with navigation systems like GPS, radar, electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), and communication radios is essential. Strong leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help distinguish exceptional Captain Mates, especially in fast-changing sea conditions. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure vessel safety, efficient operations, and effective coordination between crew and senior officers.

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What cities are hiring for Captain Mate jobs? Cities with the most Captain Mate job openings:
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2nd Mate

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise - register here.


ABOUT UNCRUISE

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, & Baja California. 


CREW PERKS

  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
  • Travel stipend
  • Pro deals
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)

JOB SUMMARY

The 2nd Mate is considered the Navigation Officer. The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation, safe route planning, maintaining charts and publications, small boat operations, and general caretaking of the bridge and bridge equipment. The 2nd Mate reports to the Captain and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience as Mate operating a passenger vessel, including navigation and bridge watch responsibilities, maintaining navigation/communications equipment, and performing chart corrections.
  • Excellent crisis management skills: ability to act quickly with confidence while exercising sound judgment.
  • Professional demeanor.
  • Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Communicate effectively to present information one-on-one and small group situations. 
  • Able to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • USCG 100T Master or Mate License (1)  
  • Radar Observer Unlimited
  • Valid TWIC
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Medical Certificate 
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport 
  • STCW Basic Training (2)
  • Bridge Resource Management (2) 
  • STCW Crowd Management (2)  
  • STCW Crisis Management (2)  
  • VPDSD (2)  
  1. Near Coastal License required for all Alaska and Safari Explorer Hawaii itineraries.
  2. Company Preferred. 

Company provided:

  • Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector 
  • MARSEC Card (Required on Safari Explorer Hawaii itinerary)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Watch Duty:

  • Perform bridge navigation and deck watch during specified periods. Determines geographical position of the ship, using all available means such as GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, depth sounders, etc.
  • Make necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
  • Handle the vessel, as directed by the Captain, in docking, anchoring, piloting, en route, in close quarters and open sea conditions.
  • Navigate vessel to ensure avoidance of marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, shallow waters, etc. using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
  • While on watch the 2nd Mate is the Officer of the Watch, and should direct the deck staff as needed.

Safety and Security:

  • Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills, as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies.
  • Participate in shore side training as required by the company.  
  • Relieve and/or perform gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule.
  • Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

Small Boat Operations:

  • Drive inflatable boats as necessary.
  • Assist with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.

Administrative:

  • Maintain navigation bridge supply inventories and requisitions.
  • Perform chart and publication corrections and maintain vessel's chart inventory.
  • Post daily sunrise/sunset times and tide and current information.
  • Create Voyage Plan waypoint spreadsheet for Captain's review and approval. Enter voyage itinerary waypoints into GPS.
  • Maintain hard copies of all external and shipboard training for each employee onboard. 

WORK SCHEDULE

The 2nd Mate works 12 hours per day of varied hours; two 4-hour watches per day plus 4 hours of administrative or small boat activities. However, each workday may vary depending on overall needs of the vessel and/or vessel personnel. This position is likely to require overnight and/or night shift hours.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Living Conditions- Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift- Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling/Strength- Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions- Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.

BASE PAY

  • Summer season, $204 / day + $70 tip guarantee