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First Mate Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Passion. USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing ...

Passion. USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing ...

Passion. USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing ...

First Mate

Miami, FL · On-site

STCW, minimum 50T USCG Master/Mate Coastal License. * Valid US Driver's license. * The vessel is member of the US Maritime Consortium Travel: Traveling is required. The current itinerary is US based ...

$33.75 - $37/hr

The Naturalist is also the acting First Mate on the vessel, responsible to help the Captain in any way. Pre- and post-trip boat cleaning is also an important part of the tour. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The 1st Mate will provide direction to the crew, including setting crew schedules, directing crew as required with assignments of maintenance, cooking, cleaning, watch standing, and other such ...

Mate

Anchorage, AK · On-site

The 1st Mate will provide direction to the crew, including setting crew schedules, directing crew as required with assignments of maintenance, cooking, cleaning, watch standing, and other such ...

Team-first mentality and communication skills * Commitment to safety and operational excellence Apply If You Are * A former Navy Boatswain's Mate transitioning to civilian maritime work * Experienced ...

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

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

Team-first mentality and communication skills * Commitment to safety and operational excellence Apply If You Are * A former Navy Boatswain's Mate transitioning to civilian maritime work * Experienced ...

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

Experience as Mate operating a passenger vessel, including navigation and bridge watch ... CPR / First Aid / AED * Medical Certificate * Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport * STCW ...

Mate

Unalaska, AK · On-site

The mate is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Mate's must be ... Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one-month waiting ...

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First Mate Mate information

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How much do first mate mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for first mate 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 the job of the first mate?

The first mate is the second-in-command on a vessel, responsible for assisting the captain in navigation, safety, and crew management. They oversee daily operations, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and may handle maintenance and training tasks.

What does a First Mate do on a ship?

A First Mate, also known as Chief Mate or First Officer, is the second-in-command on a ship, directly below the Captain. Their main responsibilities include overseeing the crew, ensuring the safety and security of the vessel, managing navigation and operations, and supervising cargo loading and unloading. The First Mate also handles emergency procedures and maintains compliance with maritime regulations. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and extensive knowledge of maritime operations.

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

To thrive as a First Mate, you need strong seamanship, navigation skills, and a solid understanding of maritime safety protocols, often backed by a relevant maritime certification or license. Familiarity with radar, GPS, electronic chart systems, and vessel maintenance tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and handling emergencies. These skills ensure the safe operation of the vessel, efficient teamwork, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between First Mate Mate vs Captain?

AspectFirst Mate MateCaptain
CertificationsSTCW certifications, maritime safety trainingSame as First Mate Mate, plus additional leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentDeck crew, assisting with navigation and maintenanceOverall vessel command, decision-making authority
Industry UsageYachting, small commercial vesselsCommercial shipping, large yachts, cruise ships

The First Mate Mate and Captain roles share similar certifications and work environments, especially in yachting and small vessels. The main difference is that the Captain holds overall command and decision-making authority, while the First Mate Mate assists and supports the Captain in daily operations.

What are some common challenges that First Mates face when managing crew operations on board?

First Mates frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating diverse crew members with varying experience levels, ensuring effective communication during fast-paced or emergency situations, and maintaining safety and compliance with maritime regulations. They are also responsible for overseeing maintenance and navigation tasks, which requires attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions at sea. Successful First Mates develop strong leadership and conflict resolution skills to keep operations running smoothly and ensure the well-being of everyone on board.
More about First Mate Mate jobs
What states have the most First Mate Mate jobs? States with the most job openings for First Mate Mate jobs include:
First Mate

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required

Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing operations and port calls; coordinates with other vessel departments during fishing operations, offload, backload and during transfer of personnel; inspects all areas of the vessel on an ongoing basis to ensure proper storage of supplies and product. Mates maintain records, reports and documents as required by the company, the US Coast Guard and other agencies. Mates also conduct safety drills and train the crew in performing safe work practices in accordance with OSHA, company policy and other guidelines. Mates provide emergency or routine medical assistance to crew, and coordinate for proper transfer of crew requiring additional medical care. Mates may perform the work of a deckhand as necessary (see Deckhand job description).

Essential Duties

Mates must be able to:

  • Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include but not limited to:
    • Commercial fishing equipment - Net reel, trawl gear, winches, cranes
    • Navigational equipment - Sonar, radar, fathometer, GPS
    • Communications equipment - VHF, satellite, telex, radio
  • Supervise bridge watch standing activities.
  • Supervise and direct all deck personnel.
  • Supervise all operations of the vessel not involving the direct operation of the factory.
  • Coordinate with all vessel departments and supervise on a continual basis.
  • Manage all at-sea medical and emergency operations.
  • Provide direct medical care to injured crew as necessary.
  • Direct the transfer of crew on and off the vessel.
  • Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory agencies.
  • Inspect vessel areas on a regular basis to ensure safe operation and the proper storage of supplies and product.

Work Schedule

  • Typical work hours are 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, however, the Mate is responsible on a 24 hours per day basis.
  • Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
  • Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
  • Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid, and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets, and aluminum pans.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
  • While performing the duties of this job, Mates are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Requirements

Education, Experience

  • Catcher processor captain experience.
  • USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons)
  • USCG Medical Emergency response training.
  • USCG Drill Instructor training.
  • Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
  • 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years.

Physical Demands

All employees must be able to:

  • Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob's ladder without assistance.
  • Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
  • Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
  • Work at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
  • Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
  • Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
  • Use fingers, hands, and arms to push, pull and reach.
  • Bend and twist.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
  • Work in a cold and wet environment.
  • Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O'Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities

All employees must be able to:

  • Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
  • Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Live and work with others in close quarters.
  • Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
  • Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
  • Discern between various shades of color for reading navigational equipment, charts, identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms and warnings.

Benefits

  • Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
  • 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
  • O'Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Compensation

  • Crew-share compensation
  • $850 - $1150 average daily rate DOE

O'Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.