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Chief Mate Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Chief Mate information

See Oregon salary details

$34.9K

$131.5K

$212K

How much do chief mate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief mate in Oregon is $131,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $154,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief mate?

A Chief Mate, also known as the First Officer, is the second-in-command on a merchant vessel after the Captain. They are responsible for the ship's cargo operations, deck crew management, navigation watch, and safety procedures. The Chief Mate plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the ship, overseeing loading and unloading, and maintaining discipline among the crew. This position requires extensive maritime training and certification, as well as strong leadership and organizational skills.

What does a chief mate do?

A chief mate is the second-in-command officer after the captain of the ship. As a chief mate, your job is to oversee vessel navigation, supervise cargo operations, and monitor specific onboard equipment. Other responsibilities include maintaining the cargo gears and cargo, checking the emergency and firefighting equipment, scheduling the deck crew, and ensuring the stability of the ship. You serve as the first officer to the captain so you must ensure all the ship’s crew comply with all rules and regulations and safeguard their safety and welfare; you may also assist with hiring and training new employees as necessary. After working as a chief mate for several years, you may be able to move up to the captain of the ship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Mate, you need a thorough understanding of ship operations, navigation, cargo handling, and maritime safety regulations, typically supported by a valid STCW Chief Mate license and relevant seafaring experience. Familiarity with navigation systems (like ECDIS), cargo management software, and safety management systems is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help you effectively manage crew and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring vessel safety, efficient operations, and compliance with international maritime standards.

What are the most common challenges faced by a chief mate when managing a diverse crew onboard?

Chief Mates often encounter challenges related to communication and teamwork, especially when managing crews from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Ensuring safety, maintaining discipline, and fostering mutual respect are essential but can be complex when perspectives and working styles vary. Successful Chief Mates use clear procedures, regular meetings, and proactive conflict resolution to build a cohesive team. Adaptability and strong leadership are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining smooth vessel operations.

What is the difference between Chief Mate vs Second Mate?

AspectChief MateSecond Mate
CertificationsSTCW Officer of the Watch, Chief Mate licenseSTCW Officer of the Watch, Second Mate license
Work EnvironmentBridge management, cargo operations, safety oversightNavigation, watchkeeping, safety checks
ResponsibilitiesSupervising deck crew, cargo planning, safety complianceNavigation, lookout duties, maintaining charts

The Chief Mate and Second Mate roles are both vital deck positions requiring similar certifications. The Chief Mate oversees cargo operations and safety management, while the Second Mate primarily handles navigation and watchkeeping. The Chief Mate is a senior deck officer with broader responsibilities, whereas the Second Mate focuses on navigation duties. Both roles are essential in maritime operations and often work closely together to ensure vessel safety and efficiency.

How much money does a chief mate make?

A chief mate typically earns between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel size, and employer. They are responsible for cargo operations, safety, and navigation on commercial ships and often hold certifications such as STCW and a mate license.

Is a chief mate a high position?

A chief mate is a senior officer on a ship responsible for cargo operations, safety, and navigation, and is considered a high-ranking position in maritime crews. It typically requires extensive experience, certifications such as STCW, and leadership skills, making it a prestigious role within the maritime industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Mate jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Chief Mate jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Chief Mate jobs in Oregon?

For Chief Mate jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Chief Mate jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Chief Mate job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Mate job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,536 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the Chief Mate/Senior Mate and 2nd Mate in exercising control over the rig's marine operations.

  • Participate in safety and operational meetings, emergency drills, and safety case duties.

  • Exercise control of the safe navigation of the vessel and assist with voyage planning and rig move operations.


Job description

Offshore Marine Group

Transocean is focused on being the employer of choice for the drilling industry.

We are challenging ourselves every day to push the performance of the company through technological advances and passion for our work.

Job Summary

Assist the Chief Mate/Senior Mate and 2nd Mate in exercising control over the rig's marine operations with due regard for safety of personnel, maintenance of rig equipment and protection of the environment.

Job Description

REPORTING:

Reports to the 2nd Mate

SUPERVISION:

None

Pre-Requisite/ Qualification:

  • High School Diploma (U.S.)/ Proof of Completion of Formal Education or Relevant Craft Certificate (where applicable).
  • Successful Military Discharge - Preferred for U.S.
  • Graduate of Trade School or University where knowledge and training acquired are applicable to job requirements - Preferred.
  • 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
  • Valid medical examination and vaccination certificates for area of operation.
  • Valid GMDSS License.
  • Lifeboatman Certificate.

General Requirements:

  • Promotes a Safe and Respectful Work Environment: Proactively promotes and Maintains a healthy respect for open and transparent dialogue between all levels of personnel, including Management.
  • Demonstrates care for the safety and well-being of all personnel, at all times. Invests in each person to provide equal opportunity for development and advancement of those qualified, to fulfill their career objectives.
  • Respects the dignity of all personnel and recognizes their merit.
  • Attend and participate in all required Safety and Operational meetings.
  • Participate fully in the annual performance appraisal process, competency assessments based on performance against Operational Discipline requirements.
  • Complete company training requirements for the 3rd Mate job level as per the training matrix, including in local/regulatory requirements.
  • If applicable, the duties and responsibilities in the safety case for this position must be observed.
  • Full participation in emergency drills and respond to emergency situations as per assigned duties on the station bill.

Operational Discipline Requirements:

  • Disciplined application and participation in the company risk management system.
  • This is inclusive of:
  • Understanding and perform the roles and responsibilities as assigned at the pre-job meeting.
  • Understanding and identifying the hazards associated with the task.
  • Understanding and effectively implementing the control measures required to mitigate identified hazards.
  • Execute all tasks and task steps in a disciplined manner, following the sequence detailed in the relevant procedures.
  • Recognize at risk behavior or conditions during tasks and call 'Time out for Safety' when unsure, or when the job does not go as planned.
  • Participate in After Action Reviews to feedback lessons learned from performing the task.

HSE Requirements:

  • Protect personnel, the environment, and assets by eliminating hazards and reducing health and safety risks.
  • Understand Company OI & HSE requirements applicable to the job position.
  • Execute work in accordance with Company OI & HSE requirements.
  • Call a Time Out when a real or perceived at risk behavior or unsafe condition is observed.
  • Use WorkSight ENGAGE during the execution of planned work.
  • Report all incidents, potential hazards, or abnormal situations to a supervisor.
  • Incorporate the Control of Work process into all work, whether working alone or as part of a team.
  • Understand and implement major accident barriers / controls applicable to the job position.
  • Maintain a safe and organized work area throughout and on completion of all work.
  • Understand your role in an emergency, as designated in the Emergency Response Plan and Station Bill.
  • Participate in all emergency drills and exercises, as required.

DUTIES:

The underlying expectation is that all duties are carried out in compliance with the Company Operational Discipline expectations and HSE requirements. When considering assignment of duties for the 3rd Mate, the Supervisor and the 3rd Mate will apply the rules of task planning to determine if the assigned role is appropriate. This means confirming that the individuals involved have the knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out the task, and the task plan complies with policy before they are authorized to proceed.
General Duties:

Operations/Maintenance:

  • Exercise control of the safe navigation of the vessel in order to ensure that all navigation operations are carried out in accordance with Company policies and procedures, regulations and sound marine practices.
  • Become familiar with the vessel's bridge and navigation equipment; Assist with voyage planning and rig move operations.
  • Provide assistance during anchoring operations.
  • Provide assistance in ensuring that the vessel's navigational equipment is maintained, fully functional and tested in accordance with SOLAS, Classification, and Flag State regulations.
  • Assist with maintenance of deck equipment, firefighting and lifesaving equipment and marine department lifting equipment (as required), and update records accordingly.
  • Assist with maintaining the vessel in a seaworthy condition.
  • Assist with maintaining the watertight integrity of the vessel, loading and storage of consumables, securing of supply vessels and helicopter operations.
  • Assist with carrying out the vessel's Class Surveys as well as other regulatory inspections and audits.
  • Provide assistance in ensuring the vessel complies with local and international pollution regulations.
  • Assist in maintaining the vessel in a stable condition and at the correct draft and trim.
  • Assist with running hydrophones and subsea beacons.
  • Make regular use of the onboard DP simulator for training purposes, where available.
  • Ensure that all defects and anomalies are reported to your supervisor or the Master.
  • Assist as required with maintaining and carrying out PM's on all marine department equipment under the direction of the Chief Mate/Senior Mate/2nd Mate.
  • Gain familiarity with the vessel's dynamic positioning equipment, and work towards gaining a Nautical Institute DP Certificate.

Personnel:

  • Promote and maintain good working relationships with other departments, third-party personnel and Customer representatives.
  • Mentor, coach, develop and train crew members to ensure they are competent to work at their current and next job level.
  • Provide leadership and motivation to the marine crews. Apply continuous improvement process.
  • Participate fully in the annual performance appraisal process.
  • Apply appropriate accountability regarding recognition; recommend promotion or disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

If you want to push yourself to great achievement, let Transocean develop your career.