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Relief Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seaport Museum New York

Relief Mate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Job Summary The Mate assists, at the direction of the Captain, in all aspects of the operation, handling, and maintenance of the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker . They serve as ...

Magnolia Marine Transport

Deckhand

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

$185 - $220/day

Mate (when aboard)Relief Mate (when mate is not aboard4.0 Position Qualifications:Must be at least eighteen years of ageMust be able to read, write and comprehend written instructions, documents, etc.

Magnolia Marine Transport

Deckhand

Vicksburg, MS · On-site

$185 - $220/day

Mate (when aboard) Relief Mate (when mate is not aboard 4.0 Position Qualifications: Must be at least eighteen years of age Must be able to read, write and comprehend written instructions, documents ...

Magnolia Marine Transport

Deckhand

Vicksburg, MS

Mate (when aboard) Relief Mate (when mate is not aboard 4.0 Position Qualifications: Must be at least eighteen years of age Must be able to read, write and comprehend written instructions, documents ...

Fairwater

Third Mate - Tankers

Dania Beach, FL

The Third Mate must be able to perform a thorough turnover with their relief prior to leaving the vessel per procedure. Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disability Fairwater reserves the right to ...

colonialgroup

Tug Captain

Savannah, GA · On-site

In the Captain's absence, the designated relief serves as Master. * The Master has overall authority and responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, tow, and crew. General ...

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How much do relief mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief mate in the United States is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relief mate?

A Relief Mate is a professional who temporarily fills in for regular crew members, often on ships or in maritime settings, when they are unavailable due to leave, illness, or other reasons. Relief Mates are licensed officers who ensure continuity of operations and safety onboard by performing navigational, operational, and supervisory duties. Their main role is to maintain smooth operations and compliance with safety regulations during periods of crew transition.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a relief mate?

To thrive as a Relief Mate, you need a solid background in seamanship, navigation, and vessel operations, often supported by relevant maritime certifications such as an STCW or Mate's license. Familiarity with electronic navigation systems, safety equipment, and maritime communication tools is typically required. Strong leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you manage crew operations and respond effectively to changing conditions at sea. These abilities ensure safe, efficient vessel management and compliance with maritime regulations during temporary assignments.

What challenges do relief mates face when transitioning between vessels or crews?

Relief Mates often move between various vessels and work with new crews, which can present challenges such as quickly adapting to different operating procedures, safety protocols, and team dynamics. Each ship may have unique equipment, schedules, and expectations, requiring strong communication skills and flexibility. Building rapport with a new crew in a short period is essential for effective collaboration and maintaining safety standards. Successful Relief Mates proactively seek information, stay organized, and demonstrate adaptability to ensure smooth transitions.

What is the difference between Relief Mate vs Caregiver?

AspectRelief MateCaregiver
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Basic Life SupportCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentAssisting clients in homes, healthcare facilities, or community settingsProviding personal care and support mainly in clients' homes or care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare agencies, home care services, community organizationsHome care agencies, senior care facilities, private families

Relief Mates and Caregivers often share similar roles in providing personal and health support. Relief Mates typically offer temporary assistance to cover staff shortages or absences, while Caregivers usually provide ongoing, daily support to clients. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but Relief Mates focus on short-term relief, whereas Caregivers are involved in long-term care.

What are the duties of a Relief Mate?

A Relief Mate is responsible for assisting the main crew by performing tasks such as navigation, safety checks, and vessel operations. They often step in to cover shifts, support safety protocols, and ensure smooth vessel functioning, typically requiring maritime certifications and good communication skills.
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What job categories do people searching Relief Mate jobs look for?

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Relief Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,814 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Relief Mate

Seaport Museum New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in all aspects of the operation, handling, and maintenance of the schooner Pioneer and tugboat W.O. Decker under the direction of the Captain.

  • Interact with guests to ensure their comfort and safety, and facilitate their connection with the experiences on each sail and at the Museum.

  • Conduct regular boat checks, maintain the ship's log, respond to emergencies, and participate in safety and training activities.

Job description

Description:Job Summary

The Mate assists, at the direction of the Captain, in all aspects of the operation, handling, and maintenance of the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker. They serve as a teacher and leader of the crew. They create and maintain an atmosphere of inclusivity, healthy development, and free of harassment. They maintain clear communication with the Captain and Fleet Mate. They serve as liaison with visitors and the public.


Program and Itinerary

The South Street Seaport Museum inspires exploration of New York City by preserving and interpreting the ?city’s origins and growth as a world port, a place where goods, labor, and cultures are exchanged through work, commerce, and the interaction of diverse communities.

Aboard the Museum’s operational vessel, participants of all backgrounds and ages engage in history, environmental, social, and other curricular subjects during two-hour and three-hour, hands-on sailing programs. Pioneer also offers corporate and private charters and ticketed public excursion sails Wednesday through Sunday from May to October.

Occasional trips beyond New York Harbor on both operational vessels with similar programming occur each season as well.

Learn more about the ships
seaportmuseum.org/about-pioneer
seaportmuseum.org/about-decker


Requirements:Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Report for shifts on time and be prepared for the workday.
  • Learn, understand, and follow all policies of the Museum that relate to your job, in particular PPE and safety procedures as set forth in employee handbook, training, and orientation.
  • Interact with guests to provide for comfort and safety.
  • Facilitate and encourage guest connection with the opportunities and experiences encountered on each sail and at the Museum.
  • Participate in USCG required drug testing program.
  • Provide evidence of completion of NYC Sexual Harassment Prevention Training by June 15, 2026.
  • Maintain a clean, healthy and safe work environment, free of harassment at all times.
  • Keep the ship’s log for any time they are aboard.
  • Conduct regular boat checks while on watch.
  • Report and/or correct any issues found and keep a general “sailor’s eye” out for unusual conditions and developing problems.
  • Provide ongoing training to crew through leadership, management, and delegation, including use of PPE and other safety gear, the Pioneer Sail Training Manual, and other resources.
  • Have a thorough understanding of safety equipment and procedures. 
  • Respond to and file reports on any emergency situations that occur on their watch.
  • Control heavy objects and their movement, as well as work in environmentally challenging conditions. Unstable, wet, cold, slippery, etc. is part of the job. The Mate is expected to maintain personal safety for themselves and others when dealing with these challenges.
  • Participate in at least one training sail per month.
  • Beginning June 1, 2026, sail at least three trips with passengers per month. This may include trips on Pioneer and W.O. Decker.
  • Maintain certification in CPR/AED and First Aid.
  • Attend scheduled crew meetings.
  • Assist other Museum staff in projects as needed on other vessels or the Museum campus.

While aboard and in other situations where there is a connection to the Museum and its fleet, conduct oneself in a manner that represents the professionalism of the ships and the Museum in the best possible light


South Street Seaport Museum strongly encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented both in museums and maritime careers. Non-traditional applicants and/or those with suitable alternatives to the above criteria are encouraged to apply.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

Applicants must be able to:

  • Work effectively under a variety of conditions, including heat, sun, wind, cold, and darkness.
  • Move safely on the moving deck and in the confined spaces below with sufficient agility. 
  • Haul on lines under strain and lift up to 40 pounds. 
Compensation and Benefits

This is a part-time seasonal position lasting from April until mid-November 2026.

Compensation is: $25 hour 

  • Benefits:
    • Learn and develop skills and experience in vessel operation and historic ship care in New York Harbor—one of the busiest waterways in the country.
    • Training and career development assistance is available through the Museum.

**Note that this is not a live-aboard position**