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Mate Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

The Mate's duties will include safe operation of vessels during appointed shifts, oversight of vessel staff, and supervision of offloading of all cargos, communication with the main office, reporting ...

The Mate's duties will include safe operation of vessels during appointed shifts, oversight of vessel staff, and supervision of offloading of all cargos, communication with the main office, reporting ...

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 able to supervise and direct all aspects of longline fishing operations including deck operations ...

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 able to supervise and direct all aspects of longline fishing operations including deck operations ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mate information

See Alaska salary details

$17

$37

$82

How much do mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for mate in Alaska is $37.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $35.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mate?

Mates are licensed officers on a ship who assist the captain in navigating, operating, and managing the vessel. They are typically ranked as chief mate (first officer), second mate, and third mate, each with specific duties related to navigation, safety, cargo operations, and crew management. Mates ensure that the ship runs smoothly by overseeing daily operations, supervising the crew, and maintaining equipment. They also play a crucial role in emergency procedures and compliance with maritime regulations.

What are the job duties of a mate?

A mate on a ship operates and maintains a merchant boat. A typical deep-sea ship includes a crew of at least three mates, including the first mate or chief mate, second mate, and third mate. Your duties as a mate can vary depending on the size of the vessel. You supervise the ship during your shift, delegate duties to lower ranking crew members, and manage other sailors on board. You may also charter a course for the boat, steer the vessel, or navigate on open water. Additional responsibilities include conducting bridge watch and maintaining log entries. Mates are responsible for the overall maintenance of the ship as well.

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

To thrive as a Mate, you need strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, safety procedures, and typically a relevant maritime certification such as an Officer of the Watch license. Familiarity with navigation systems, GPS, radar, and vessel management software is essential. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving are critical soft skills for managing crew and responding to emergencies. These competencies ensure safe vessel operation, efficient teamwork, and compliance with maritime regulations.

What is the difference between Mate vs Carpenter?

AspectMateCarpenter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; apprenticeship or technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, shipyards, or industrial settingsConstruction sites, residential, or commercial buildings
Industry UsageMaritime, industrial, or construction sectorsConstruction, renovation, and building industries
Common Search/ComparisonMate vs Carpenter

In summary, a Mate typically works in maritime or industrial environments and may require basic certifications, focusing on assisting with operations. A Carpenter specializes in building and repairing structures, often requiring technical training or apprenticeships. Both roles are essential in construction-related industries but differ in work setting and skill requirements.

What are some typical challenges a mate faces when managing deck operations aboard a commercial vessel?

Mates often encounter challenges such as coordinating deck crew during adverse weather conditions, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and handling unexpected maintenance issues. They must balance supervisory responsibilities with hands-on work, all while maintaining effective communication between the captain and crew. Adapting to rapidly changing circumstances at sea and managing fatigue during long shifts are also common aspects of the role. Developing strong organizational and leadership skills is crucial for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth vessel operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mate jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Mate jobs in Alaska are:
What job categories do people searching Mate jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Mate jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Mate jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Mate job openings:
Infographic showing various Mate job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 18% Temporary, 27% Nights, and 18% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,168 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Temporary

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description
Position Summary:
The Mate's duties will include safe operation of vessels during appointed shifts, oversight of vessel staff, and supervision of offloading of all cargos, communication with the main office, reporting to the vessel Captain, and to work under direction of the Vitus Marine Port Captain. 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 activities required to be implemented by the Master. Provide safety leadership as well as confirm vessel and crew compliance with company policy and procedures. Conducting fire and boat drills, maintains records of stores and equipment in the deck department and approves requisitions.
The standard work schedule is continuous from April through October for seasonal Alaska operations; however, this work schedule may vary. The seven days per week daily work schedule is usually divided into two six-hour watches, for a total of a 12-hour work day. The forward watch is from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. The after watch runs from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Hours for the call watch may vary according to the operational demands of the vessel.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Collaborate with management on vessel delivery schedules
  • Maintain regular communication with Vitus Marine Management team, Contractors and other Vessels as required
  • Share information with other Vitus vessels to ensure safe and profitable operation including, but not limited to routes, local knowledge and contacts.
  • Maintenance planning and execution as well as supervising contractors when necessary
  • Complete prescribed paperwork as outlined by managements & vessel documents, including but not limited to
    • Vessel Inspections
    • AWO Requirements
    • USCG Sub-Chapter M Requirements
    • Trip Reconciliation Forms
    • Expense Reports
  • Assist with customer and supplier notification / coordination
  • Ensure vessel orientation training of crews
  • Represent company to regulatory agencies and personnel as needed
  • Plan and schedule vessel crew changes with Port Captain and Operations Support Specialist
  • Facilitate shore side response to vessel needs for repairs, parts & supplies
  • Cook for crew when requested by the vessel Master
  • Any other duties as required to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations
  • Must be able to work a rotating six hours on and six hours off watch schedule, and occasionally work different hours when necessary
  • Must be able to adhere to all company policies, United States Coast Guard and environmental regulations
  • The safety of the towing vessel is the responsibility of the master and includes: o Adherence to the provisions of the COI;
    • Compliance with the applicable provisions of USCG Subchapter M;
    • Compliance with the TSMS, if one is applicable to the vessel; and
    • Supervision of all persons onboard in carrying out their assigned duties.
  • If the master or officer in charge of a navigational watch believes it is unsafe for the vessel to proceed, that an operation endangers the vessel or crew, or that an unsafe condition exists, he or she must ensure that adequate corrective action is taken and must not proceed until it is safe to do so.
  • Nothing in this subpart may be construed in a manner which limits the master or officer in charge of a navigational watch, at his or her own discretion, from diverting from the route prescribed in the COI or taking such steps as deemed necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress or for other emergency conditions.

Other Job Responsibilities:
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma, or equivalent
  • USCG issued Mate 100 Ton Near Coastal license with radar endorsement
  • TOAR/Mate of Towing
  • Prefer USCG issued MATE 500 or 1600 Ton Oceans license w/radar endorsement
  • Prefer Tankerman/PIC endorsement
  • Relevant towing experience
  • Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
  • Drug-free certification

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
  • Effective problem solving skills
  • Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and written
  • Ability to read, write and speak English
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure
  • Ability to deal with a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists

Education:
  • High school diploma, or equivalent

(1 year of directly related work experience may qualify to substitute 1 year of education to meet the education requirement)
Required Training & Certificates:
  • USCG issued Mate 100 Ton Near Coastal license with radar endorsement
  • TOAR/Mate of Towing
  • Prefer USCG issued MATE 500 or 1600 Ton Oceans license w/radar endorsement
  • Prefer Tankerman/PIC endorsement
  • Attends training sessions, seminars and appropriate educational classes required by department.
  • Computer skills commensurate with program and job applications.

Physical Demand/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly type, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must ascend and descend portable ladders or fixed stairs. The employee is regularly required to communicate with other vessels, Coast Guard stations, Corps of Engineers, lockmasters and their own crewmembers. Communications may be made via VHF radio, orally, by sound signals or by hand signals. The employee must be able to hear and communicate effectively in the conditions that might be encountered aboard a towboat. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 25 pound and occasionally items in excess of 100 pounds. Visual Acuity: must be adequate to safely operate the vessel in situations that are likely to occur when a boat is in navigation night and day, year round. The employee must be able to recognize color coded objects such as navigation lights, signals, and symbols, as well as warning lights or symbols. Depth perception must be adequate for navigation in close quarters, including lock or bridge approached. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and may be loud on occasion. Work is usually done on a marine vessel and sometimes at a client facility, often out-of-doors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions, requiring the use of personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to; a reflective vest, steel toed boots, safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. The employee must be capable of hearing alarms, unusual noises in operating machinery, signals from the boat and signals from passing vessels. The employee must be able to communicate with boat or dock personnel by radio, telephone, and voice communications. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, vehicles and equipment, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee may be required to travel by a variety of conventional and non-conventional modes.
Disclaimer: The above job description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not however, be construed as a complete job listing of all duties, which may be required from day
Vitus Energy, LLC is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.