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Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Young Brothers

Second Mate

Honolulu, HI

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assist First Mate and Master of vessel as required in day-to-day operational activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS: 1. Assist First Mate with crew work assignments. 2. Stand sea ...

Young Brothers LLC

Second Mate

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assist First Mate and Master of vessel as required in day-to-day operational activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS: 1. Assist First Mate with crew work assignments. 2. Stand sea ...

American Seafoods

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$8.0K - $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 ...

Stabbert Offshore Crew

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 ...

Ocean Harvesters

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 ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

We are looking for a Second Shift Boat Mate to join our team. As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our owners and, enjoyable employment for ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL · On-site

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

We are looking for a Second Shift Boat Mate to join our team. As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our owners and, enjoyable employment for ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

We are looking for a Second Shift Boat Mate to join our team. As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our owners and, enjoyable employment for ...

American Seafoods

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA

$8.0K - $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 ...

Sunset Key Cottages

Second Shift Boat Mate

Key West, FL

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

We are looking for a Second Shift Boat Mate to join our team. As a Boat Mate, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our guests, loyalty to our owners and, enjoyable employment for ...

Transocean Ltd.

3rd Mate

Houston, TX · On-site

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)

Fairwater

Third Mate - ATBs

Dania Beach, FL

$22.75 - $25.50/hr

Third Mate - ATBs Schedule : West Coast, Gulf, and East Coast: 28/28. Western Alaska: 45/45 Location : East Coast, Gulf, West Coast and Alaska Required Qualifications Education/Credentials * Mate ...

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Second Mate information

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How much do second mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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 is the job of a second mate?

A second mate is a licensed officer responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations on a ship. They assist the chief mate in maintaining safety protocols, keep navigational charts, and often oversee watch duties during their shift. The role requires certification such as a Second Mate license and knowledge of maritime safety procedures.

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 watchkeeping on ships, often requiring certification such as STCW and a valid license. Salaries can vary based on the region and the type of vessel operated.

What is a 3rd mate job?

A 3rd mate is a licensed deck officer on a ship responsible for safety equipment, navigation, and watchkeeping duties. They typically assist the 2nd and 1st mates and must hold relevant certifications such as a third mate license and have experience in maritime navigation and safety procedures.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a Second Mate, high-paying positions such as offshore oil rig crew or specialized maritime roles can pay around $4,000 weekly, often requiring certifications like STCW and extensive maritime experience. These roles typically involve working in challenging environments and may require long shifts or rotations at sea.

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.

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Second Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

2nd Mate

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK • On-site

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

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, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise - register here.
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.
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
  1. Near Coastal License required for all Alaska and Safari Explorer Hawaii itineraries.

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 / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
  • 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.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.

BASE PAY
  • Summer season, $204 / day + $70 tip guarantee. Weekly tip amounts vary, the lowest being $70/day.

Pay Range
$204-$274 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.

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