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First 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 ...

Curtin Maritime

Mate

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$32.15 - $53.58/hr

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. WHAT ...

Curtin Maritime, Corp

Mate

Long Beach, CA

$32.15 - $53.58/day

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. WHAT ...

Curtin Maritime

Mate

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Mate I, II, III will work directly with the Port Captain, and Vessel Captain, applying our three core values of Innovation, Integrity, and Efficiency and maintaining the Curtin Standard onboard. WHAT ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

lynden

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, rivers, and coastal passages, assist with cargo operations, and stand navigation watch while ...

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First Mate information

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$10

$30

$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

Bristol Wave Seafoods

Unalaska, AK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 19 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.

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