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First Mate Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

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 ...

Guestservices

$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

Fairwater

Third Mate - Tankers

Dania Beach, FL

VI/4: Medical First Aid Provider * VI/6: Vessel Personnel Designated with Security Duties NATIONAL * 3rd Mate Of Self Propelled Vessels Not Including Sail or Auxiliary Sail of Unlimited Tonnage Upon ...

ssc

Mate, 2nd - Marine

New York, NY

... First Aid Provider (STCW VI/4), and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA). * USCG National Endorsements (Domestic): * 500 GRT Oceans or 1,600 GRT Oceans or higher, Mate Pilot of Towing Oceans (Master ...

New

Savage

Mate, 2nd - Marine

Tampa, FL · On-site

... First Aid Provider (STCW VI/4), and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA). * USCG National Endorsements (Domestic): * 500 GRT Oceans or 1,600 GRT Oceans or higher, Mate Pilot of Towing Oceans (Master ...

New

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Bonifay, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Middleburg, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Stuart, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Deland, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Jacksonville, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Hernando Beach, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Bowling Green, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Jacksonville, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Lake Park, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Apopka, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

U.S. Navy

Boatswain's Mate

Jacksonville, FL

Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are seamanship and deck operations experts who form the backbone of a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain ...

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All JobsFirst Mate JobsFirst Mate Jobs in Florida

First Mate information

See Florida salary details

$7

$22

$56

How much do first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for first mate in Florida is $22.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 expertise in navigation, seamanship, and maritime safety regulations, usually backed by relevant certifications such as an STCW endorsement or Officer of the Watch license. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS, and communication equipment is essential. Leadership, quick decision-making, and strong teamwork skills help manage crew operations and respond to emergencies. These competencies are crucial for ensuring vessel safety, operational efficiency, and smooth coordination at sea.

What is a first mate?

A First Mate is the second-in-command on a ship, directly under the captain. They are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the vessel, supervising the crew, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. The First Mate also assists in navigation, handles logistics, and may take command if the captain is unavailable. Their role is crucial for the smooth running and safety of the ship and its crew.

What are some common challenges a first mate faces when managing deck operations and crew coordination?

As a First Mate, one of the main challenges is balancing the safe and efficient running of deck operations while ensuring clear communication and coordination among the crew. This often involves addressing unexpected weather conditions, troubleshooting equipment issues, and adapting to changing schedules. Managing a diverse team with varying experience levels and maintaining morale during long voyages can also be demanding. Proactive leadership and effective delegation are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth ship operations.

What is the difference between First Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectFirst MateDeckhand
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime experienceBasic safety training, maritime experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentOnboard yachts, ships, or boats, supervising crewOnboard vessels, assisting with maintenance and operations
Employer & Industry UsageYacht charters, commercial shipping, private vesselsRecreational boats, commercial ships, yachts
Common Search & ComparisonFirst Mate vs Deckhand

The main difference between a First Mate and a Deckhand lies in their responsibilities and experience level. The First Mate holds a supervisory role, overseeing deck crew and ensuring safety, often requiring certifications like STCW. In contrast, a Deckhand performs hands-on tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, and assisting with navigation, typically with less experience and fewer certifications. Both roles are essential onboard vessels, but the First Mate has greater leadership duties and responsibilities.

More about First Mate jobs

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For First Mate jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Mate jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for First Mate jobs in Florida are:

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Cities in Florida with the most First Mate job openings:

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First Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Mate job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,254 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

First Mate

M.C. Dean, Inc

Miami, FL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
Position Description:
Steering, de-watering, working with electronic navigation aids, maintaining the deck log, planning the loading and unloading of cargo, and providing boat maintenance.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
  • Assisting the Captain in the operation and maintenance of the yacht
  • Overseeing the deck maintenance and inventory.
  • Participating in navigation and watch keeping and security of the ship's assets.
  • Maintaining and updating charts, navigation equipment, and safety equipment,
  • Handling guest requests and complaints
  • Standing in for the captain in their absence.
  • Tender driving and small boat handling experience.

Qualifications
Experience / Requirements:
  • Minimum 3+ years of experience in the same or a similar position.
  • 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 on the East Coast. Home port is Miami Beach, FL with a secondary port in Washington, DC.
Ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and eagerness to grow and excel as this position has growth potential.
Abilities
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

M.C. Dean logo

About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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