ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Mate Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bristol Wave Seafoods

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 ...

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

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 Training & Observation

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$44K - $88K/yr

For a 24-hour harbor day 454.24 For a 12-hour harbor day 227.12 MATE-TRAINING & OBSERVATION (MTO) or APPRENTICE MATE Qualifications The MTO must hold a U. S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential ...

Lynden Incorporated

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK · On-site

As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel Captain to command the vessel in and out of harbors ... The ideal candidate is a seasoned mariner with strong vessel-handling skills, a safety-first ...

BMLP

Mate

New Haven, CT · On-site

General Expectations As a Mate, you will be working and living aboard during your on-hitch period. Basic expectations and responsibilities include navigating, towing operations, basic computer ...

Innersea Discoveries

Chief Mate

Juneau, AK

The Chief Mate reports to the Master of the vessel. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS * Experience ... CPR / First Aid / AED * Medical Certificate * Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport * Near ...

Crew Careers Page

Chief Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

The Chief Mate reports to the Master of the vessel. Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS * Experience ... CPR / First Aid / AED * Medical Certificate * Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport * Near ...

Metson Group

Mate

Ventura, CA · On-site

Seeking reliable self-motivated 100 ton or higher experienced OSV Mate with at least 2 yrs. under platform vessel handling skills. Responsible for bridge watch, navigational duties, log entries as ...

Innersea Discoveries

Chief Mate

Juneau, AK

The Chief Mate reports to the Master of the vessel. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS * Experience ... CPR / First Aid / AED * Medical Certificate * Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport * Near ...

UnCruise Adventures

Chief Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

The Chief Mate reports to the Master of the vessel. Requirements QUALIFICATIONS * Experience ... CPR / First Aid / AED * Medical Certificate * Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport * Near ...

lynden

Mate of Tow - Alaska

Anchorage, AK

As Mate, you will work closely with the Vessel Captain to command the vessel in and out of harbors, rivers, and coastal passages, assist with cargo operations, and stand navigation watch while ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Badger, AK

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ship's crew. They handle small boats ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$41.66 - $57.55/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew members are subject to his/her orders. Mates are direct representatives of Moran and are responsible ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Mate Mate Jobs

First Mate Mate information

See salary details

$22

$25

$29

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:
What job categories do people searching First Mate Mate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Mate Mate jobs are:
First Mate Mate jobs near you

Mate

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Unalaska, AK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The mate is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Mate's must be able to supervise and direct all aspects of longline fishing operations including deck operations, handling of gear, etc.
Working in the Bering Sea:
Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days' travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.
Compensation, Travel & Expenses:
Payroll is crew share percentage. Crew share calculations are based on the net adjusted sales. Net sales are calculated by accounting for certain operating costs such as bait, fuel, observer expenses, etc. 40% of net sales go to the officers and crew.
All travel for officers is arranged and paid for by the company, including flights, hotels, and meals while traveling.
Requirements
• USCG Licensing required: 500 GT near coastal uninspected fishing vessel Mate's license (or greater).
• Ability to act as backup to vessel captain,
• Familiarity with all aspects of longline fishing required.
• Drill Instructor certification required.
• HACCP certification required.
• Administering of required random and post-accident drug screenings - specimen collector certification required.
• Ability to supervise deck operations, handling of gear, etc.
• Ability to maintain accurate records of fishing operations, offload documentation, personnel files, etc.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone who tests positive for THC).
• Pre-employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify.
Benefits
Vessel officers are eligible for healthcare benefits, subsidized by the company at 75% for both employees and dependents, including medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, voluntary life insurance, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a discretionary company contribution. Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one-month waiting period.

Apply