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Mate On Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Guestservices

$33.75 - $37/hr

... minute boat tours. Presenting information on marine mammals, birds and general ecology. The ... Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our ... This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL · On-site

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our ... This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL · On-site

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our ... This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our ... This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis ...

Lake Michigan Carferry

Able-Seaman (AB) - LMC

Ludington, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assists Mate on duty with supervising the deck crew. * Assists in loading and off-loading ... Perform functions necessary to dock the boat including lowering and raising the apron and locking ...

Lake Michigan Carferry

Able-Seaman (AB) - LMC

Ludington, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assists Mate on duty with supervising the deck crew. * Assists in loading and off-loading ... Perform functions necessary to dock the boat including lowering and raising the apron and locking ...

Guestservices

Naturalist

North Miami Beach, FL

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. Some hours will be ...

Guest Services, Inc.

Naturalist

North Miami Beach, FL · On-site

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. Some hours will be ...

Guest Services, Inc.

Naturalist

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

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. Some hours will be ...

Guestservices

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. Some hours will be ...

Guestservices

Naturalist

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

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. Some hours will be ...

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Mate On Boat information

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$22

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$29

How much do mate on boat jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for mate on boat in the United States is $25.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mate on boat?

Mates on a boat, also known as deck officers, are responsible for assisting the captain in the operation and navigation of the vessel. Their duties typically include supervising the deck crew, maintaining safety procedures, overseeing the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the ship. Mates may also take charge of navigation during their watch and communicate with other vessels or port authorities. The exact responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of vessel. Mates play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the boat.

What does a mate on boat do?

A Mate on a boat is responsible for assisting the captain with navigation, overseeing deck operations, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the crew. Daily tasks often include supervising the maintenance of equipment, managing cargo operations, and coordinating watch schedules. The Mate acts as a key point of communication between the captain and crew, often relaying instructions and providing training or guidance to junior members. Collaboration with engineers, deckhands, and other officers is essential to ensure smooth operations, especially during docking, departure, and emergency situations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a mate on boat?

To thrive as a Mate On Boat, you need a strong understanding of seamanship, navigation, vessel operations, and typically a merchant mariner credential or similar certification. Familiarity with navigation systems (like GPS and radar), safety equipment, and maintenance tools is essential. Excellent teamwork, leadership, and communication skills help manage crew and ensure smooth operations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and effective coordination on board.

What is the difference between Mate On Boat vs Deckhand?

AspectMate On BoatDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW, CPR, First Aid, Marine Safety TrainingBasic safety training, STCW
Work EnvironmentBridge and deck, responsible for navigation and safetyDeck, assisting with maintenance and mooring
ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety oversight, supervising deck crewCleaning, maintenance, mooring, assisting with navigation

The main difference between a Mate On Boat and a Deckhand is the level of responsibility and required certifications. Mates typically hold more advanced certifications and oversee navigation and safety, while Deckhands perform more hands-on maintenance and support tasks. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry, but Mates have greater supervisory duties and command responsibilities.

How much does a mate on a boat make?

A mate on a boat typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on the vessel type, experience, and certifications such as STCW or USCG licenses. Mates often work long hours in challenging environments and may receive additional compensation for overtime or special duties.

How to become a mate on boat?

To become a mate on a boat, you typically need relevant maritime experience, such as working as a deckhand, and obtain certifications like STCW Basic Safety Training and a Merchant Mariner Credential or equivalent. Developing skills in navigation, safety procedures, and vessel maintenance is essential, and gaining experience through entry-level positions can lead to advancement to a mate role.
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Mate On Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mate On Boat job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Naturalist/ First Mate - Weeki Wachee Springs

Guest Services, Inc.

Spring Hill, FL • On-site

$30.50 - $33.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Guest Services Inc. rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Compensation Amount:
16.00 USD Hourly
Job Summary:
Boat Naturalists are expected to educate, inform and monitor all passengers during our 20 minute boat tours. Presenting information on marine mammals, birds and general ecology. 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. Some hours will be spent working at the cash register.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Perform duties as First Mate to Captain, which may include the safety talk prior to vessel leaving the dock.
  • Educate and inform guests about Everglades Park history including crocodiles, manatees and vast variety of birds.
  • Monitor all passengers to assure they are comfortable and safe.
  • Clean and prepare vessel pre and post trip.
  • Responsible to continue learning new material on marine mammals, birds and the Flamingo area.
  • Background in natural sciences preferred.
  • Working knowledge of boats, and experience working on open water.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE
  • Partial High School education; High School Diploma/G.E.D. equivalent preferred.
  • Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers.
  • People oriented, strong communication/public speaking skills, education experience or background.
  • Strong work ethic and team-oriented skills are a must.
  • Must enjoy educating diverse audience about wildlife and other subjects,
  • Must adhere to company dress code.
  • Subject to pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
  • Available Saturdays, Sundays, evenings and holidays.
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Florida Boaters Safety Course

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly frequent movements from place to place within the unit. Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
  • Reading and writing work-related documents in English.
  • Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
  • Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.
Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.

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About Guest Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Guest Services, Inc. is a well-established company located in Fairfax, VA, United States, operating in the Hospitality and Food Services industry. The company’s official website is guestservices.com. It was originally founded in 1917 as a small group of soda fountains and since then, it has grown into a nationwide platform providing various services. The wide range of services includes dining, recreation, retail, lodging, and facility management services. The company primarily serves government agencies, corporations, schools, state and national parks, healthcare facilities, and even private homes.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fairfax, VA, US

Year founded

1917

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