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Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Responsibilities FPSO Turritella - Marine Cargo Supervisor 2nd Mate or Higher (Non-Union) SUMMARY: Oversees cargo transfer, storage, ballast management, and mooring operations. Also performs vessel ...

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

$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 ...

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)

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 ...

Mate

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

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 ...

Third Mate - ATBs

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

$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 Jun 30, 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Second mates in the maritime industry typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles like CEOs, investment bankers, or specialized medical professionals. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and certifications, and salaries above $500,000 are usually found in senior leadership or highly specialized fields.

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 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.

What is the work 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 charts, navigation equipment, and safety procedures, often working in shifts to ensure continuous watchkeeping. The role requires certification, good seamanship skills, and knowledge of maritime regulations.

What is the highest paid job on a ship?

The highest paid job on a ship is typically the captain or master, who is responsible for overall vessel operation, safety, and navigation. They usually hold extensive experience, certifications, and command authority, earning the highest salary among crew members. Other senior officers, like chief engineers, also earn high wages but generally less than the captain.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Second mates in the maritime industry can earn around $2,000 per day, especially on large commercial vessels or with extensive experience and certifications such as STCW. High-paying roles often require specialized skills, long hours at sea, and adherence to safety regulations. Such compensation is typically associated with senior positions in shipping, offshore drilling, or luxury yacht operations.

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:
What job categories do people searching Second Mate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Second Mate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

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 watch and pilot/navigate vessel in a safe and proficient manner.
3. Operate and maintain vessel equipment in a safe and proficient manner.
4. Assist in docking of barges in a safe and proficient manner.
OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
1. Meets with First Mate and Master of vessel to determine work assignments.


WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works indoors and outdoors in various weather and sea conditions in wet, humid, noisy, and dusty
areas. Frequently uses paints, solvents, and thinners.
Equipment use:
Uses wheelhouse controls to pilot/navigate vessel. Uses basic hand and hand-held power tools.
May drive company vehicles.
Work hours:
Normal work hours vary according to vessel assignment and sailing schedule. Normal work days
are Monday - Sunday.

MENTAL DEMANDS:
Shall have sufficient mathematical ability to determine ship's position, speed, and ETA. Shall be
attentive to detail and alert at all times to ensure safety of vessel and crew. Shall be able to receive
and follow instructions and be able to communicate with coworkers and supervisory personnel.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Sitting: Sits when piloting/navigating vessel and splicing lines. SELDOM
2. Climbing/Jumping/Balancing: Climbs/Jumps from pier to vessel, vessel to barge, and vice
versa. Balances while on vessel and barges in various harbor water conditions.
FREQUENTLY
3. Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: Stoops, etc. to pick up and place lines, towing
gears, and when performing general maintenance and sanitary duties. FREQUENTLY
4. Squatting: Squats while performing general maintenance. FREQUENTLY
5. Twisting: Twists when piloting/navigating vessel, handling lines, and performing general
maintenance. FREQUENTLY
6. Walking: Walks when handling lines, docking barges, and performing general maintenance.
FREQUENTLY
7. Reaching: Reaches when piloting/navigating vessel, handling lines, and performing general
maintenance. FREQUENTLY
8. Handling/Fingering: Handles/Fingers lines, parts, and wheelhouse controls.
OCCASIONALLY
9. Eye-hand-foot coordination: Coordinates movements when piloting/navigating, docking
barges, and performing general maintenance. CONTINUOUSLY
10. Vision (corrected, depth, wide field, and color): 20/40 correctable vision in each eye and
color sense as required by US Coast Guard. Depth perception and a wide field of vision
required to ensure safety of vessel and crew when navigating and docking barges.
FREQUENTLY
11. Pushing/Pulling/Lifting/Carrying (up to 50 pounds): Pushes and carries tools, equipment,
and stores. Pulls and lifts lines and equipment. FREQUENTLY


QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (Licenses, Degrees, Certificates):
Required to possess a US Coast Guard License, Mate of Steam or Motor Vessels, of at least 200
GRT Near Coastal with a towing endorsement. Oceans endorsement is preferred. Required are
current radar observer endorsement and FCC marine radiotelephone operator permit. STCW 95
endorsement preferred. Valid driver's license for possible use of company vehicles, preferred. If
you are an in-house (current) employee, and have not already completed Young Brothers, Ltd.
Training Syllabus as detailed in YB Forms 23A and 23D, you have 90 days from your effective date
of reclassification to complete the Training Syllabus. . For external candidates applying for this
position, if selected a new employee must complete the Young Brothers Ltd., Training Syllabus as
detailed in YB Forms 23A and 23D prior to standing watch on an unsupervised basis, and in all
such cases prior to the expiration of the new employee's 90 day probationary period.


Skills/Knowledge: Ability to pilot/navigate vessel through the use of radio, radar, electronic
navigational equipment, navigational aids, and charting. Ability to operate and utilize basic hand
and hand-held power tools and deck equipment. Must be familiar with and be able to
navigate/pilot in both harbor and offshore waters; must have good, proven judgment in operating
tug and in handling equipment and machinery; must be able to communicate with other vessels
and the harbor pilots via VHF radio. Basic computer skills are preferred. Supervisory skills and
leadership characteristics are highly desirable.


Education/Training: Must have sufficient verbal, reading and writing skills as required by the job
(i.e. delegating assignments to crew members, receiving instructions from supervisor, reading
instructions, writing job assignments, requests etc. High School Diploma or GED equivalent is
required.
Experience: Total service of 18 months, of which 12 months must be on Towing Vessels.


POSITION CONTENT: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all
inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is
intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to
modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary.

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