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First Mate Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Second Mate Unlimited. The position begins 8/21/2026. Reporting to the Master, is a watch officer in the Deck Department ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

First Mate information

See New York salary details

$11

$33

$82

How much do first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for first mate in New York is $33.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $44.95 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.

What are popular job titles related to First Mate jobs in New York?

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

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

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

What cities in New York are hiring for First Mate jobs?

Cities in New York with the most First Mate job openings:

What are popular job titles related to First Mate jobs in NY?

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

Infographic showing various First Mate job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,179 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

First Mate- City Cruises New York

Hornblower

New York, NY • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines


Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The First Mate assists the Captain to safely moor, operate, and maintain company vessels. The First Mate assists passengers in loading and off-loading safely. The First Mate assists in all aspects of vessel operations and maintenance as directed by Captain.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Stand bridge watch and assist in the safe navigating and maneuvering of the vessel.
  • Take command if captain becomes incapacitated.
  • Clean and maintain vessel.
  • Assign deck crew tasks and provide direction.
  • Supervise and perform routine shipboard maintenance as required.
  • Solve problems that come up.
  • Ability to run all onboard drills.
  • Strong focus on customer service.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and safety of all common areas including but not limited to: Gangways, Pier Facilities, Ramps, Barges, and the entire vessel.
    Ability to sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses.
  • Load or unload materials from vessels & Handle lines to moor vessel to pier.
  • Vessel maintenance including, but not limited to aesthetics, plumbing, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray) fire suppression, communications, and navigation systems.
  • Stand look-out watch on bow, stern, or bridge wings to look for obstructions in ship's path or to locate navigational aids such as buoys.
  • Operate and maintain ship equipment such as engines and generators, HVAC systems and bridge equipment.
  • Willing to be involved in shipyard periods.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Must be able to lift furniture and other heavy items such as provisions up and down stairs.
  • Transport Workers identification Credential or TWIC.
  • CPR/First Aid Certificate.
  • Strong focus on safety and teamwork.
  • Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
  • Maintain a high level of organization, detailed oriented and meet deadlines.
  • Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
  • Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
  • Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
  • Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
  • Will be required to be available for work nights, weekends and on all major holidays.

#CityCruisesUS
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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