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Chief Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

The OS reports directly to the vessel Chief Mate and performs general maintenance, repair, sanitation and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department. Key Accountabilities ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

The AB receives daily standing orders from the Chief Mate. Key Accountabilities a) maintain housekeeping throughout the deck spaces. b) is responsible to carry out the orders of the Chief Mate or ...

Chief Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Machinist Mate; Engineman; Damage Control; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; etc. * A total of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Chief Engineer aboard comparable or larger vessels may be ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Mate information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief mate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief mate in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Chief Mate jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Mate job openings:

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

The most popular types of Chief Mate jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Mate jobs?

The top employers for Chief Mate jobs are:

What states have the most Chief Mate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Mate jobs include:

Infographic showing various Chief Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Second Mate - Seaward Services - TSVRON

Hornblower City Cruises

Norfolk, VA

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group’s premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group’s Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systems.Hornblower Group’s subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com. 


Position Summary:

The Second Mate shall serve as navigation officer for the assigned Training Support Vessel (TSV-1 PREVAIL, TSV-3 HUNTER, TSV-4 NARRAGANSETT, or TSV-5 VINDICATOR). This role involves maintaining charts and publications, preparing voyage plans, and making daily reports to the Master on voyage progress. The Second Mate also performs cleaning, painting, and maintenance duties as directed by the Chief Mate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as navigation officer.
  • Maintain charts and publications.
  • Prepare all voyage plans; make daily report to the Master on voyage progress.
  • Perform cleaning, painting, maintenance duties as directed by the Chief Mate.
  • Stand navigation watches as assigned per operational requirements.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.
 
Requirements & Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard license/certificate requirements: Second Mate with VSO, VSPSD, STCW. 
    • STCW Requirements: OICNW; Able Seafarer-Deck; RFPNW; PSC; Medical care Provider; ADV FF; Basic Training; GMDSS Operator; ECDIS (Unlimited); Lifeboatman; Wiper; Stewards Department (FH); Person in Charge of Medical Care (PIC).
  • Security Clearance: SECRET.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must possess a valid United States Passport.
  • Must be able to acquire and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Must be able to acquire and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC).
  • Must be computer literate in Microsoft Office and shipboard monitoring and maintenance software.
  • Possess a thorough understanding of all pertinent regulations and laws.
  • Possess excellent analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Successfully submit and complete pre-employment background check.
  • Submit to and pass alcohol and drug tests as mandated by the USCG, including pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing.

#SeawardServices

#HB1


The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.