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First Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McAllister Towing

Mate

Portland, ME · On-site

The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew. Preferred Experience: * Several years ...

Vitus Energy, LLC

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 ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Providence, RI · On-site

The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew. Preferred Experience: * Several years ...

Young Brothers

Second Mate

Honolulu, HI

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assist First Mate and Master of vessel as required in day-to-day operational activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS: 1. Assist First Mate with crew work assignments. 2. Stand sea ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Providence, RI

The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew. Preferred Experience: * Several years ...

NOW Hiring Heroes

Boatswain's Mate

Jacksonville, FL

$32/hr

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 ...

Now Hiring Heroes

Boatswain's Mate

Jacksonville, FL

$32/hr

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 ...

Fairwater

Third Mate - Tankers

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

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 ...

Stabbert Offshore Crew

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsFirst Mate Jobs

First Mate information

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$75

How much do first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for first mate in the United States is $30.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $41.11 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.

How much does a First Mate get paid?

A First Mate typically earns between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the vessel size, location, and experience. They often work long hours and may need certifications such as STCW or CPR. Compensation can also include benefits like housing or travel allowances.

What are First Mates?

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 Does a First Mate Do?

As a first mate or chief officer aboard a ship, you work under the supervision of the captain to perform navigational responsibilities, operate various ship systems, and direct the deck crew. You are second in command and help ensure the safety of the ship and crew. Your duties include steering, de-watering, working with electronic navigation aids, maintaining the deck log, planning the loading and unloading of cargo, and providing boat maintenance. You can find a first mate on every ship, from a sail boat to a cargo ship, sailing on the coast or out in the deep sea. Your maritime qualifications and necessary skills differ by the type of boat, but your tasks are similar.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

First mates in the maritime industry typically do not earn $2000 a day; their pay depends on experience, vessel size, and employer. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed this amount include specialized roles such as corporate executives, certain medical specialists, or high-level consultants, but these are not related to the first mate position. Generally, earning $2000 daily requires advanced skills, certifications, and often work in high-stakes or executive environments.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A first mate on a commercial or private vessel can earn $10,000 or more per month, especially with extensive experience and certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses. These roles often involve working long hours at sea, but do not require a college degree, focusing instead on maritime skills and safety training.

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 a First Mate's job?

A First Mate is the second-in-command on a vessel, responsible for assisting the captain with navigation, safety, and crew management. They oversee daily operations, ensure safety protocols are followed, and may handle maintenance and equipment checks. Strong leadership, seamanship skills, and relevant certifications are typically required for this role.

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.

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First Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Mate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,233 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
Mate

Mate

McAllister Towing

Portland, ME • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description


Founded in 1985, Portland Tugboat is New England's premier tugboat company, providing the most powerful fleet of tugs in the region. Handling a wide range of cargo, Portland Tugboat has a distinguished record of providing safe and efficient ship docking and general harbor assist services in the port, covering the areas of Portland Harbor, Casco Bay, and Cousin's Island on Hussey Sound.
Captain Brian J. Fournier is the President of Portland Tugboat and a state-licensed docking pilot. He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises with SeaRiver Maritime in San Francisco and Portland Pipeline in Maine. He has been in the maritime industry since 1980's.
Currently, Portland Tugboat is looking for a Mate. Description of Responsibilities and Duties are outlined below:
Mate:
Description/Job Summary:
The Mate is responsible for assisting the Master with safe and efficient operation of the Tug. The Mate safely manages all towing operations and deck evolutions. The Mate navigates the vessel and conducts docking/undocking evolutions. The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate assists the Master with maintaining the well-being of the crew.
Preferred Experience:
  • Several years as an Able-Bodied Seaman/Ordinary Seaman.

Required Qualifications:
  • Mate 200 Gross Tons (minimum) Towing/Oceans
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Twin Screw Experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 1600 Gross Ton Towing/Oceans

Physical Requirements:
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Mate to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew. Specific physical requirements include:
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.• Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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