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Chief Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cape Fear Community College

PT Chief Mate

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$26.15/hr

  • Retirement

Coast Guard license as a Mate or Master of vessels of 100 gross tons * Possession of, or ability to obtain, U.S. Coast Guard STCW certification and Merchant Mariners Document * Possession of, or ...

Transocean Ltd.

3rd Mate

Houston, TX · On-site

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 ...

State of Alaska

AMHS - Third Mate

Juneau, AK

$44.72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Working closely with the Master and Chief Mate, Third Mates help ensure the safe transportation of passengers, vehicles, and freight while delivering reliable public service in one of the world ...

ConocoPhillips

3rd Mate - Marine

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description If you are selected as the 3rd Mate, you will be working under the direction of the Master and Chief Mate. The 3rd Mate must have a good understanding of all deck machinery and cargo ...

ssc

Able Bodied Seaman - Marine

Charlotte, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Able-Bodied Seamen report directly to the Chief Mate for cargo, maintenance, and safety related duties, and the OICNW for navigational duties. Minimum Requirements/Qualifications: * USCG Merchant ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Rotational Deckhand

Seattle, WA

May be assigned various special projects as per the Chief Mate's work list. Boat Operations * Handles lines during docking and undocking procedures. * Assigned anchoring duties as needed. * Assists ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Licensed Deckhand

Seattle, WA · On-site

May be assigned various special projects as per the Chief Mate's work list. Boat Operations * Handles lines during docking and undocking procedures. * Assigned anchoring duties as needed. * Assists ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Licensed Deckhand

Seattle, WA

$215 - $223/day

May be assigned various special projects as per the Chief Mate's work list. Boat Operations * Handles lines during docking and undocking procedures. * Assigned anchoring duties as needed. * Assists ...

State of Alaska

AMHS - Third Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

$44.72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Working closely with the Master and Chief Mate, Third Mates help ensure the safe transportation of passengers, vehicles, and freight while delivering reliable public service in one of the world ...

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All JobsChief Mate Jobs

Chief Mate information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief mate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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.
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Chief Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

PT Chief Mate

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC • On-site

$26.15/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Salary: $26.15 Hourly
Location : Wilmington - Downtown Campus, NC
Job Type: Part Time Staff
Job Number: 21-00160
Division: Career & Technical Education
Department: Marine Technology
Opening Date: 03/15/2022
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
DEFINITION:
Work under Captain's supervision on CFCC ship training voyages standing bridge navigation watches. Assist in student training. Perform deck maintenance and repair work as needed.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
  • Receives general supervision from the Captain
  • Assists Captain in supervision of crew and students

Duties & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
  • Stand bridge navigation watches on the College's sea training vessel on student training voyages and research voyages contracted by outside agencies
  • Assist instructors in student training on sea training voyages
  • Perform additional deck maintenance and repair as necessary, as directed by the Captain
  • Assume the duties of the Captain in the event that the Captain is for any reason unable to perform his duties or serve on a ship voyage

Other Important Functions:
  • Respond to student questions as appropriate
  • Observe students to ensure adherence to safely measures
  • Perform linehandling during docking operations as required
  • Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
  • Navigation
  • Safe seamanship practices and procedures
  • Proper safety precautions, sea survival techniques, and firefighting methods aboard ship
  • Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations

Ability To:
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
  • Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
  • Interpret and apply CFCC goals, objectives, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
  • Communicate clearly and respectfully, both verbally and in writing
  • Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to:
    1. working in high places
    2. dealing with air contamination
    3. difficult working conditions involving high noise levels, confined spaces, low illumination and vibration
  • Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
    1. Making observations
    2. Reading and writing
    3. Communicating with others
    4. Operating assigned equipment
    5. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
  • Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:
    1. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time
    2. Operating assigned equipment
    3. Handling varied tasks simultaneously
    4. Bending, stooping, climbing, or lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Maintain mental capacity, which allow the capability of:
    1. Making sound decisions
    2. Responding to questions
    3. Demonstrating intellectual capabilities

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Minimum Education/Training:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a U.S. Coast Guard license as a Mate or Master of vessels of 100 gross tons
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, U.S. Coast Guard STCW certification and Merchant Mariners Document
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a U.S. Passport

Minimum Experience:
At least two years of underway seagoing experience serving as a Captain or navigation watchstanding officer on vessels of 100 gross tons or more
Preferred Education/Training, Experience, Skills:
None
Special Instructions to Applicants:
  • This position REQUIRES UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS be submitted in addition to the application. Please have these documents ready to upload when applying.
  • Successful candidates are required to submit official transcripts for all degrees obtained, within 30 days of hire date. If highest level of education is a High School diploma or equivalent, proof of completion is required.
  • Successful candidates who have obtained their education outside of the US and its territories must have their academic degree(s) validated, at their own expense, by an outside credential evaluation service as equivalent to the Baccalaureate or Master's degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

  • This is a temporary part time contracted position and does not offer benefits other than voluntary participation in a 403B or 457 Retirement plan, for which no employer match is offered. Additionally, part time positions do not accrue vacation or sick leave, and do not accrue hours towards state service.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
Cape Fear Community College, its faculty and staff, and the Board of Trustees are fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities. The College does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees in any programs and activities provided on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), gender (including gender identity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), disability, religion, age, genetic information, veteran status or any other protected status as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and any other applicable statutes and CFCC policies.

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