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Deck Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the ...

AET

Mate

Galveston, TX

The other mate is responsible for the deck maintenance of the vessel. Key Accountabilities * The Mate is responsible for, stop work authority intervention, safety meetings, adherence to PPE, ensuring ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY

$708/day

The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the ...

AET

Mate

Galveston, TX · On-site

The other mate is responsible for the deck maintenance of the vessel. Key Accountabilities * The Mate is responsible for, stop work authority intervention, safety meetings, adherence to PPE, ensuring ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA

The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the ...

Sause Bros.

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR · On-site

It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out in accordance with approved company policies and procedures Responsibilities/Performance Standards ...

Sause Bros Inc

Mate Northwest

Coos Bay, OR

It is the responsibility of the Mate to see that all deck operations and procedures are carried out in accordance with approved company policies and procedures Responsibilities/Performance Standards ...

G&H Towing

Mate In Training

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

For a 12-hour harbor day $329.60 For a 24-hour harbor day $659.20 Schedule: 7 days on and 7 days off the vessel Job Summary Authority The second deck officer on the vessel is the Mate. When ...

G&H Towing

Mate In Training

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

For a 12-hour harbor day $329.60 For a 24-hour harbor day $659.20 Schedule: 7 days on and 7 days off the vessel Job Summary Authority The second deck officer on the vessel is the Mate. When ...

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All JobsDeck Mate Jobs

Deck Mate information

See salary details

$15

$34

$76

How much do deck mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for deck mate in the United States is $34.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a deck mate do?

As a Deck Mate, your daily responsibilities include assisting with navigation, supervising deck operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. You will help manage cargo loading and unloading, maintain the vessel’s exterior, and coordinate with the captain and crew. The role often involves standing watch, handling emergency procedures, and supporting overall ship operations, making teamwork and strong communication skills essential.

What is the difference between Deck Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectDeck MateDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Marine Safety CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Marine Safety Certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, primarily assisting with deck operationsOnboard ships, performing general deck duties
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime shipping, cruise lines, offshore vesselsMaritime shipping, cruise lines, offshore vessels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Deck Mate and a Deckhand lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Deck Mates often have more specialized training and may take on supervisory or more complex deck tasks, while Deckhands perform basic deck duties under supervision. Both roles are essential for vessel operations and require similar certifications, making them closely related in the maritime industry.

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

To thrive as a Deck Mate, you need a solid understanding of seamanship, navigation, safety procedures, and typically a valid merchant mariner credential or equivalent certification. Experience with navigational equipment, communication systems, and ship maintenance tools is important for daily operations. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help Deck Mates excel in demanding maritime environments. These skills and qualities ensure safe vessel operation, effective teamwork, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is a deck mate?

Deck Mates are crew members aboard ships who assist with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the vessel. Their duties typically include handling mooring lines, assisting with cargo operations, cleaning and maintaining the deck, and supporting navigation and safety procedures. Deck Mates work under the supervision of senior officers and play an essential role in ensuring the smooth and safe functioning of the ship. This position often requires physical stamina, teamwork, and adherence to safety protocols. Deck Mates may also have opportunities for advancement within the maritime industry.
More about Deck Mate jobs
What states have the most Deck Mate jobs? States with the most job openings for Deck Mate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Deck Mate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Deck Mate jobs are:
Deck Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Deck Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Mate

McAllister Towing

Staten Island, NY • On-site

$708/day

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description


McAllister Towing has provided superior tugboat service to New York Harbor since 1864, when Captain James McAllister, great-grandfather to current president Brian Buckley McAllister, bought his first sail lighter to carry cargo from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Today, McAllister's tugs provide a wide variety of services to the busy ports of New York and New Jersey, serving the most concentrated and affluent consumer market in the world and handling a significant part of the 16 million tons of cargo that passes through the port every year. In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are regularly employed in offshore towing along the entire East Coast.
McAllister is proud of its long history in New York Harbor and continues to provide its clients and customers with the highest quality service.
McAllister Towing of NY is seeking highly qualified Mates. Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:
Mate - Meet the Captains and Mates at McAllister Towing
Description/Job Summary:
The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug. The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.
Preferred Experience:
  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:
  • Valid Mate 200 Gross Ton License
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Valid Merchant Marine Credential
  • Tractor tug experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • NY Harbor experience

Salary: Day Rate - starting at $708 a day
Physical Requirements:
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Mate to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.• Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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