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Mate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

Norfolk, VA · On-site

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

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/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 ...

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Mate American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. American Cruise Lines cruise along inland and coastal waterways, including the East Coast, Alaska, Pacific Northwest ...

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 Virginia salary details

$15

$34

$76

How much do mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for mate in Virginia is $34.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $32.88 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Mate jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Mate jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Mate jobs in Virginia?

For Mate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mate jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mate job openings:

Infographic showing various Mate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $71,961 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

The Port of Hampton Roads, Va. is one of the largest ports on the East Coast, offering one of the principal coal exporting facilities in the world. A hub for international trade, over 75 international shipping lines call at Norfolk and the surrounding ports of Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News, Yorktown, and other outlying terminals. McAllister Towing of Virgina has been in the port of Hampton Roads for roughly 50 years, serving Yorktown, Piney Point, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Chesapeake area with unsurpassed towing and general harbor assist work.

Captain Elliott Westall joined the McAllister family in 1997 after a distinguished 20-year career in the US Navy where he served primarily as Tug Captain and Harbor Pilot. Captain Westall was named Vice President and General Manager of McAllister of Virginia in 2007. Captain Westall and the entire team in Virginia continues to work earnestly and safely to promote McAllister's reputation as the leader of unsurpassed service in marine transportation.

McAllister Towing of Virginia is seeking highly qualified Mate to join our team.   Duties and responsibilities 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:

  • Current GMDSS, ARPA, Advanced Firefighting, First Aid/CPR
  • Valid Merchant Mariners Credential - 200-ton Mate license
  • Mate or Master of Towing
  • Valid STCW, TWIC and Current USCG Medical Certificate
  • Tractor tug/Z drive experience
  • Must pass pre-employment drug test
  • Must pass pre-employment physical

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mate 1600 Gross Tons Towing/Oceans
  • STCW 
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.