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Deck Hand First Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mate

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$32.15 - $53.58/day

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three ... work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces ...

Mate

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$32.15 - $53.58/hr

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three ... work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces ...

... Deck * IV/2: GMDSS Operator * VI/1: Basic Safety Training * VI/2: Survival craft, Rescue Boats * VI ... VI/4: Medical First Aid Provider * VI/6: Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties NATIONAL ...

Mate

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

The 1st Mate will provide direction to the crew, including setting crew schedules, directing crew ... Conducting fire and boat drills, maintains records of stores and equipment in the deck department ...

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP ... Under the supervision and direction of the Captain, serves as deck officer in charge on scene in ...

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The 2nd Mate is a licensed deck officer responsible for the safe navigation and operations of the ... Strong work ethics, values, and principles with safety as the first priority * Understand and be ...

The 1st Mate will provide direction to the crew, including setting crew schedules, directing crew ... Conducting fire and boat drills, maintains records of stores and equipment in the deck department ...

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP ... Under the supervision and direction of the Captain, serves as deck officer in charge on scene in ...

... supervising deck operations and handling of gear. * Conduct training when needed. * Must have ... Forceful grasping along with repetitive finger and hand use is occasional. * Applicant must also be ...

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Deck Hand First Mate information

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How much do deck hand first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for deck hand first mate in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a deck hand first mate?

Deck Hand First Mates are crew members on boats or ships who assist with the daily operations, maintenance, and navigation of the vessel. They typically help with tasks such as handling ropes and lines, cleaning and maintaining the deck, assisting with docking and undocking, and sometimes supporting the captain with navigation and safety procedures. A First Mate may also supervise other deckhands and serve as the second-in-command, ensuring that safety standards are met and that all deck operations run smoothly. This role requires a good understanding of seamanship, teamwork, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

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

To thrive as a Deck Hand First Mate, you need strong seamanship skills, physical fitness, and usually a valid STCW certification or equivalent maritime qualifications. Familiarity with shipboard equipment, navigational tools, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate with crew and respond effectively in challenging situations. These skills ensure safe vessel operation, efficient teamwork, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges a deck hand first mate faces when working on a vessel, and how can they be managed?

Deck Hand First Mates often face challenges such as long hours, physically demanding tasks, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for handling emergencies and daily operations smoothly. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay physically fit, follow safety procedures, and maintain strong working relationships with the crew and captain. Developing problem-solving skills and staying adaptable also contribute to a successful and rewarding experience in this role.

What is the difference between Deck Hand First Mate vs Deck Hand?

AspectDeck Hand First MateDeck Hand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, CPR, First AidBasic safety training, CPR
Work EnvironmentOnboard yachts, ships, or boats, often with leadership dutiesOnboard vessels, assisting with maintenance and operations
ResponsibilitiesAssist captain, oversee deck crew, safety proceduresAssist with deck work, cleaning, maintenance

The Deck Hand First Mate typically has more certifications and leadership responsibilities compared to a Deck Hand. While both work onboard vessels and assist with deck operations, the First Mate often oversees safety and crew management, making it a more advanced role within the deck crew hierarchy.

Is it hard to get a job as a deck hand first mate?

Becoming a deck hand first mate typically requires experience working as a deckhand, strong seamanship skills, and often a captain's license or certification. Entry into the role can be competitive, but gaining relevant experience and certifications improves job prospects. Physical fitness and the ability to work in challenging conditions are also important.

What cities are hiring for Deck Hand First Mate jobs?

Cities with the most Deck Hand First Mate job openings:

What states have the most Deck Hand First Mate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Deck Hand First Mate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Deck Hand First Mate jobs?

For Deck Hand First Mate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Deck Hand First Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Mate

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

Curtin Maritime, Corp
Water Transportationย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$32.15 - $53.58/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.


THIS ROLE:

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard.


WHAT YOU'LL DO:

As a leader both within the organization and onboard, Mate I, II, III will be the expert in the Curtin Standard. The Mate will apply the core values of Efficiency, Integrity, and Innovation to every task and assignment and strive to meet the standard both onboard and off.


Assist the Captain as directed


Train and develop the crew in our internal procedures, leading by example.


Provide expertise in voyage planning and execution, focusing on efficiency and safety.


Foster an environment where morale is the cornerstone to achieving success


Manage the crew as it relates to vessel upkeep.


Maintain Vessel Management System, overall compliance, and reporting


WHO YOU ARE:


Mental Aptitudes



Attention to detail / excellent organizational skills


Ability to handle stressful situations with focus, including safe and effective decision making under potentially dangerous conditions.


Continuously demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and ownership by being pro-active in all situations/tasks


Understanding importance of being a mentor, ability to invest in the development and success of others


Superior communication skills, ability to speak to your audience whether it be the office or instructing/training multi-levels of crew, etc.


Strong logistical and mechanical reasoning skills, ability to not only plan and execute voyage, but also have a complete understanding of the vessel (mechanical and movement)


Understand and respect the chain of command; ability to take direction no matter how it is given

Physical Aptitudes


Agility to traverse uneven ground and to walk, gangways at various heights


Agility to bend, stoop, or squat frequently and climb high steps/ladders several times a day


Ability to lift at least 40 pounds safely; moving equipment that is heavy, large, or awkward


Physical dexterity and strength to catch and handle lines; make up tows with wire rigging; operate deck machinery; work on equipment that is poorly accessible


Ability to work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness; work in confined spaces


Ability to think clearly during stressful situations or during an emergency


Ability to perform emergency duties and use emergency equipment onboard vessel


Demonstrate good personal hygiene, always maintain cleanliness


Mate I - $540/day (Day rate includes performance bonus)


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:


TWIC Card


Minimum 200 GRT, Near Coastal w/ Mate of Towing Vessels OR


500 GRT Mate, Near Coastal w/ TOAR


CG Medical Certificate


MROP FCC License


Radar Unlimited


STCW Basic Training


Passport

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:


Oceans endorsement


Able Seaman


VSO


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:


Perform all duties of Deckhand 2


General understanding of Curtin vessel operating standards. Examples include: radio etiquette, various lines/rigging and their appropriate applications, caring for cordage, painting schemes/program, machinery limitations, etc.


Introductory knowledge of boat handling


Able to fill out forms and reports in Vessel Management System


Basic engine room knowledge


Introductory crew management skills on deck and for vessel maintenance


Introductory voyage planning and meteorological knowledge

COMPLIANCE:


Basic proficiency in operation of the Vessel Management System.


Understanding of The Curtin Standard


Introductory knowledge in assisting with internal and external compliance audits


Mate II - $540 - $660/day (Day rate includes performance bonus)


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:


All those listed in Mate I


STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft


Completion of Curtin Maritime's Deckhand Training Manual

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:


All those listed in Mate I


STCW Advanced Fire Fighting


STCW Medical Care Provider


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:


All DH 3 skills


Proficient in operating vessel and basic maneuvering


Basic engine room knowledge and mechanical repair abilities


Advanced crew management skills. Work plans created with Captain/Chief and carried out.


Proficient in short and long-term voyage planning, including weather observations/predictions

COMPLIANCE:


Advanced knowledge and proficiency in operation of the Vessel Management System. Complete outstanding tasks and VMS items in a timely manner.


Maintain inventories


Complete understanding and enforcement of The Curtin Standard


Introductory knowledge in assisting with internal and external compliance audits


Mate III - $660 - $750/day (Day rate includes performance bonus)


LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:


All those listed in Mate I & II


VSO

PREFERRED LICENSES & REQUIREMENTS:


All those listed in Mate I & II


STCW BRM


STCW OICNW 500 Ton, Near Coastal


Master of Towing Vessels


200 GRT Master


VESSEL PROFICIENCIES:


Developing skilled operation of inland tugs, push boats, coastal tugs, working in current, etc.


Coastwise single barge towing, hip towing, and push towing


Voyage/work planning for the above.


Understanding of Curtin vessel operating standards. Examples include radio etiquette, various lines/rigging and their appropriate applications, caring for cordage, anchoring on tow wire, painting schemes/program, machinery limitations, etc.

COMPLIANCE:


Mastery of Vessel Management System. Proficient in the operation of all modules and the ability to train others


Diligent and thorough recordkeeping in the official logbook and other necessary recordings

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT:


Takes ownership of vessel and crew by assigning projects to crew and holding yourself and crew accountable


Follows and enforce the Curtin Standard


Maintains professionalism with Curtin staff, regulatory bodies, customers, agents, crews, etc.


Advanced crew management skills. Ability to coach crew members and provide feedback for improved performance.


Ability to assist in large project, drydocking management and vessel commissioning.

*Rates listed include Curtin Standard Performance Bonus. Employee is eligible for a performance bonus based on meeting minimum criteria as outlined in the Curtin Standard Performance Bonus Checklist. Employee will be evaluated on performance criteria at the end of their hitch if on regular rotation or at the end of the month if performing local day work. If criteria are met employee will earn a 20% increase on base day rate for their next scheduled hitch or month of work. Criteria must continue to be met to maintain eligibility. Full performance details and program eligibility requirements will be provided.


WHAT WE OFFER:



Competitive Compensation


Generous benefits package including:


Medical


Dental


Vision


Short-term Disability


AD&D/Life Insurance


401k (with company match)


Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.


Curtin Maritimeis an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.