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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 ...

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 ...

Foss Maritime

2nd/3rd Mate Oceans

Seattle, WA · On-site

$720/day

About the Role As a union mate you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and ... Train on and gain first hand experience with marine propulsion systems, various towing ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Windsor, NC

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 ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Lackawaxen, PA

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 ...

US Navy

Boatswains Mate

Millsap, TX

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 ...

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First Mate Mate information

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How much do first mate mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 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.
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First Mate Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Mate Mate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Naturalist/ First Mate - Weeki Wachee Springs

Naturalist/ First Mate - Weeki Wachee Springs

Guest Services, Inc.

Spring Hill, FL • On-site

$30.50 - $33.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Compensation Amount:
16.00 USD Hourly
Job Summary:
Boat Naturalists are expected to educate, inform and monitor all passengers during our 20 minute boat tours. Presenting information on marine mammals, birds and general ecology. 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. Some hours will be spent working at the cash register.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving the dock.
  • Educate and inform guests about Everglades Park history including crocodiles, manatees and vast variety of birds.
  • Monitor all passengers to assure they are comfortable and safe.
  • Clean and prepare vessel pre and post trip.
  • Responsible to continue learning new material on marine mammals, birds and the Flamingo area.
  • Background in natural sciences preferred.
  • Working knowledge of boats, and experience working on open water.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE
  • Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent preferred.
  • Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers.
  • People oriented, strong communication/public speaking skills, education experience or background.
  • Strong work ethic and team-oriented skills are a must.
  • Must enjoy educating diverse audience about wildlife and other subjects,
  • Must adhere to company dress code.
  • Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
  • Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays.
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Florida Boaters Safety Course

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly frequent movements from place to place within the unit. Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
  • Reading and writing work-related documents in English.
  • Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
  • Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.
Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.
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About Guest Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Guest Services, Inc. is a well-established company located in Fairfax, VA, United States, operating in the Hospitality and Food Services industry. The company’s official website is guestservices.com. It was originally founded in 1917 as a small group of soda fountains and since then, it has grown into a nationwide platform providing various services. The wide range of services includes dining, recreation, retail, lodging, and facility management services. The company primarily serves government agencies, corporations, schools, state and national parks, healthcare facilities, and even private homes.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fairfax, VA, US

Year founded

1917

Social media

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