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License Third Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Savannah, GA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Savannah, GA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Brunswick, GA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

New London, CT · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Guilford, CT · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Gulfport, MS · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Winona, MN · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Portland, ME · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Decatur, AL · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Bangor, ME · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Paducah, KY · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Decatur, AL · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLicense Third Mate Jobs

License Third Mate information

See salary details

$15

$34

$76

How much do license third mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for license third mate in the United States is $34.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between License Third Mate vs License Second Mate?

AspectLicense Third MateLicense Second Mate
Required CredentialsSTCW Basic Safety, FCC license, and a third mate licenseSTCW Advanced Safety, additional sea service, and a second mate license
Work EnvironmentEntry-level deck officer on ships, safety duties, navigationMore advanced navigation, watchkeeping, and safety responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime shipping companies, cargo ships, tankersSimilar industry, more senior vessels, larger ships

The License Third Mate is an entry-level deck officer license, focusing on safety and navigation, while the License Second Mate is a more advanced certification with increased responsibilities. Both roles are essential in maritime operations, with the second mate typically overseeing more complex navigation tasks and safety procedures on larger vessels.

What are some common challenges faced by a license third mate, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Licensed Third Mate often faces challenges such as adapting to long periods at sea, managing fatigue during shift work, and ensuring clear communication with the bridge team. Navigational responsibilities require constant vigilance and the ability to make quick decisions in dynamic conditions. Successfully managing these challenges involves maintaining strong situational awareness, practicing effective time management, and fostering collaborative relationships with crewmates to ensure safety and efficiency on board.

What is a license third mate?

A License Third Mate is an entry-level licensed officer position on a merchant ship, responsible for navigation, safety, and supervising deck operations. The Third Mate assists in watchkeeping duties, ensures compliance with regulations, and manages emergency equipment. They typically serve as the safety officer onboard and report directly to the Chief Mate. To become a Licensed Third Mate, individuals must complete specific maritime education and pass U.S. Coast Guard or equivalent examinations. This role is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of ocean-going vessels.

What are the requirements to get a license as a third mate?

To become a licensed third mate, applicants must meet age and health requirements, hold a valid STCW certification, and have completed approved maritime training and sea service hours. They must also pass written and practical exams administered by the relevant maritime authority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a license third mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Licensed Third Mate, you need a solid understanding of navigation, cargo operations, and maritime safety, typically supported by a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate license and a degree from a maritime academy. Proficiency in using radar, ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), and other bridge equipment, as well as certifications like STCW, is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help a Third Mate coordinate effectively with crew and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient ship operations.
More about License Third Mate jobs
What cities are hiring for License Third Mate jobs? Cities with the most License Third Mate job openings:
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License Third Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various License Third Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,583 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Third Mate

American Cruise Lines

Savannah, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Third Mate

American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 guests.
Third Mates are responsible for safe vessel and launch operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader and example. Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining experience in challenging U.S. coastal and river waterways. Our Third Mates are team-oriented, self-disciplined, and hands-on workers. Third Mates work alongside Deckhands and Engineers completing watch standing, maintenance, sanitation, and logistics tasks. Third Mates operate and maintain our 35ft-50ft certificated passenger launches. Our Third Mates are people-oriented professionals and meticulous officers, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Third mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Safe launch operations in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Standing helm, security, gangway watches in Deckhand rotation.
  • Execution of vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Standing piloting watches under instruction of Captain or Mate.
  • Assisting Engine Room Attendant with machinery and system maintenance.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Maintain exemplary professional grooming and uniform appearance
Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: Masters 100T.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.
  • Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming.
  • Good communication skills and team skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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