1

Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation , safe route planning, maintaining charts ...

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation , safe route planning, maintaining charts ...

2nd Mate

Juneau, AK · On-site

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation , safe route planning, maintaining charts ...

The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation , safe route planning, maintaining charts ...

Second Mate

Channelview, TX · On-site

$21.50 - $24/hr

When the unit is inside the sea buoy the Second Mate should be prepared to assist with cargo operations on the barge. * Oversees safety of vessel including all installed equipment and inspections ...

2ND MATE

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

Crowley is actively hiring for an Second Mate in our Western Alaska Crowley Fuels tug and barge fleet. This position is a great fit for someone looking for adventure! Have you ever wanted to see a ...

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$8K - $10K/mo

Minimum 3 years' experience as 2nd Mate of Fishing Vessels participating in fisheries in Alaskan or Russian waters * Must possess excellent communication abilities, organizational abilities, and ...

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

The 2nd Mate is a licensed deck officer responsible for the safe navigation and operations of the vessel, safety management, and ensuring compliance of maritime laws and regulations. They serve as ...

Mate UFIV 1600T

Abbeville, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $19.75/hr

The Mate will be responsible for safely and efficiently performing the specific duties below ... Tie off cork to vessel with the Cook, Chief Engineer, and the Second Engineer. * Supervise crew ...

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA

$8K - $10K/mo

Manifests, Mate's Receipts, HR Paperwork, Injury/Illness Reports, FishmealSamples * Crew Needs: Medical treatment/attention as needed, Changes to W-4, Address etc., Cab Vouchers, Travel Arrangements ...

Reports to the 2nd Mate SUPERVISION: None Pre-Requisite/ Qualification: * High School Diploma (U.S.)/ Proof of Completion of Formal Education or Relevant Craft Certificate (where applicable)

Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$450 - $650/day

Phoenix Processor LP (PPLP) is hiring for the position of Mate (UFIV) on board the M/V Excellence. Our vessel operates as an at sea fish processing vessel taking over the side deliveries from catcher ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Second Mate information

See salary details

$22

$25

$29

How much do second mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for second mate 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 Second Mate?

The second mate, or second officer, is the third-highest position on a ship. As a second mate, your job duties include keeping watch, overseeing navigational procedures, preparing voyage plans, and serving as an understudy for the first and second ranking officers on the ship. In general, you need considerable experience working on a ship before being considered for a second mate job, having already honed your skills working through the ranks. You’re in charge of other crew members in your role as the second mate, making leadership skills crucial. You also need to get your second mate license and, depending on the company, additional certifications to prove your qualifications for this career.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Second Mate, a maritime navigation officer, can earn around $10,000 or more per month, especially with extensive experience and certifications such as STCW. These roles often require maritime training, licensing, and working on ships, with schedules that can include long periods at sea away from land-based requirements for a degree.

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

To thrive as a Second Mate, you need strong navigational expertise, knowledge of maritime regulations, and a valid STCW certification, typically supported by a maritime academy diploma. Proficiency with electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), radar, GPS, and safety management systems is essential. Leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating crew and ensuring vessel safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe navigation, efficient operations, and compliance with international maritime standards.

What are some common challenges faced by a Second Mate during long voyages, and how can they be managed?

As a Second Mate, one of the main challenges during extended voyages is maintaining navigational accuracy and ensuring the safe passage of the vessel, especially in adverse weather or congested waters. Managing fatigue due to long watch hours and coordinating effectively with the rest of the bridge team are also significant aspects. To address these challenges, Second Mates rely on strong organizational skills, proactive communication, and adherence to rest schedules. Building good rapport with crewmates and staying current with navigational technologies further helps in managing the demands of the role.

How much do 2Nd mates make?

Second mates typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations, often requiring certification such as STCW and a third mate license. Salaries can vary based on the region and the type of vessel operated.

What are Second Mates?

A Second Mate is a licensed officer on a merchant ship who is responsible for navigation and safety duties. They typically serve as the ship's navigator, planning and overseeing the vessel's course, and are often in charge of updating charts and navigational publications. Second Mates also stand watch, assist with cargo operations, and supervise crew members as needed. Their role is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the ship.

What is the difference between Second Mate vs Third Mate?

AspectSecond MateThird Mate
CertificationsSTCW Officer Certification, Second Mate LicenseSTCW Officer Certification, Third Mate License
Work EnvironmentBridge watch, navigation, safety duties on larger vesselsBridge watch, safety, and auxiliary duties, often on smaller ships
ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety management, overseeing deck crewAssist navigation, safety checks, support senior officers

The main difference between a Second Mate and a Third Mate lies in their level of responsibility and licensing. Second Mates typically hold higher certifications and are responsible for navigation and safety on larger ships, while Third Mates assist with these duties and often serve on smaller vessels. Both roles are essential in maritime operations, with Second Mates generally having more experience and authority.

What cities are hiring for Second Mate jobs? Cities with the most Second Mate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Second Mate jobs? The most popular types of Second Mate jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Second Mate jobs? The top employers for Second Mate jobs are:
What states have the most Second Mate jobs? States with the most job openings for Second Mate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

$26.50 - $29.75/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description:

Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise - register here.


ABOUT UNCRUISE

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, & Baja California.


CREW PERKS

  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
  • Travel stipend
  • Pro deals
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)

JOB SUMMARY

The 2nd Mate is considered the Navigation Officer. The 2nd Mate is responsible for maintaining the bridge navigational and communications equipment as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation, safe route planning, maintaining charts and publications, small boat operations, and general caretaking of the bridge and bridge equipment. The 2nd Mate reports to the Captain and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience as Mate operating a passenger vessel, including navigation and bridge watch responsibilities, maintaining navigation/communications equipment, and performing chart corrections.
  • Excellent crisis management skills: ability to act quickly with confidence while exercising sound judgment.
  • Professional demeanor.
  • Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Communicate effectively to present information one-on-one and small group situations.
  • Able to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • USCG 100T Master or Mate License (1)
  • Radar Observer Unlimited
  • Valid TWIC
  • FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Medical Certificate
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
  • STCW Basic Training (2)
  • Bridge Resource Management (2)
  • STCW Crowd Management (2)
  • STCW Crisis Management (2)
  • VPDSD (2)
  1. Near Coastal License required for all Alaska and Safari Explorer Hawaii itineraries.
  2. Company Preferred.

Company provided:

  • Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector
  • MARSEC Card (Required on Safari Explorer Hawaii itinerary)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Watch Duty:

  • Perform bridge navigation and deck watch during specified periods. Determines geographical position of the ship, using all available means such as GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, depth sounders, etc.
  • Make necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
  • Handle the vessel, as directed by the Captain, in docking, anchoring, piloting, en route, in close quarters and open sea conditions.
  • Navigate vessel to ensure avoidance of marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, shallow waters, etc. using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
  • While on watch the 2nd Mate is the Officer of the Watch, and should direct the deck staff as needed.

Safety and Security:

  • Participate in on board safety training, meetings and drills, as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding and medical emergencies.
  • Participate in shore side training as required by the company.
  • Relieve and/or perform gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule.
  • Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

Small Boat Operations:

  • Drive inflatable boats as necessary.
  • Assist with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.

Administrative:

  • Maintain navigation bridge supply inventories and requisitions.
  • Perform chart and publication corrections and maintain vessel's chart inventory.
  • Post daily sunrise/sunset times and tide and current information.
  • Create Voyage Plan waypoint spreadsheet for Captain’s review and approval. Enter voyage itinerary waypoints into GPS.
  • Maintain hard copies of all external and shipboard training for each employee onboard.

WORK SCHEDULE

The 2nd Mate works 12 hours per day of varied hours; two 4-hour watches per day plus 4 hours of administrative or small boat activities. However, each workday may vary depending on overall needs of the vessel and/or vessel personnel. This position is likely to require overnight and/or night shift hours.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Living Conditions- Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift- Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling/Strength- Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions- Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.

BASE PAY

  • Summer season, $204 / day + $70 tip guarantee