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Second Mate License Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Must meet US Coast Guard licensing standards regarding physical condition, hearing and eyesight ...

Transocean Ltd.

3rd Mate

Houston, TX · On-site

Reports to the 2nd Mate SUPERVISION: None Pre-Requisite/ Qualification: * High School Diploma (U.S ... Valid GMDSS License. * Lifeboatman Certificate. General Requirements: * Promotes a Safe 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

Tie off cork to vessel with the Cook, Chief Engineer, and the Second Engineer. * Supervise crew ... USCG Mate UFIV 1600T License * Ability to work overtime, weekend, and rotating shifts as required

American Seafoods

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$8.0K - $10K/mo

Manifests, Mate's Receipts, HR Paperwork, Injury/Illness Reports, FishmealSamples * Crew Needs ... Must meet US Coast Guard licensing standardsregardingphysical condition,hearingand eyesight ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

Overview Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out ... Minimum 200 Ton Mate License Near Coastal. * Mate of Towing Endorsement Near Coastal. * Radar ...

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Second Mate License information

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How much do second mate license jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for second mate license 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 license?

A Second Mate License is a maritime certification that qualifies an individual to serve as a second mate, or second officer, on merchant ships. The second mate is responsible for navigation, safety, and other duties under the supervision of the chief mate and captain. Obtaining a Second Mate License typically requires sea service experience, passing exams, and completing relevant training courses. This license is issued by maritime authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard and is recognized internationally. It allows mariners to advance their careers and take on greater responsibilities aboard vessels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a second mate?

To thrive as a Second Mate, you need a strong background in navigation, ship operations, and maritime safety, supported by a Second Mate license and relevant sea service experience. Familiarity with electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), radar, and GMDSS equipment is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe vessel operation, efficient teamwork, and adherence to international maritime regulations.

What are some common challenges second mates face when transitioning from a third mate role?

Transitioning from Third Mate to Second Mate comes with increased responsibility, particularly in navigation planning, cargo operations, and supervising the bridge team. Second Mates are often tasked with passage planning, maintaining navigational charts, and acting as the primary safety officer, which can be challenging for those new to the role. Adaptation requires strong organizational skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure, as well as effective communication with both senior officers and crew members to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Second Mate License vs Third Mate License?

AspectSecond Mate LicenseThird Mate License
Required CredentialsSTCW certification, approved training, and experience as an Ordinary Seaman or DeckhandSimilar STCW certification, with less experience required
Work EnvironmentBridge watchkeeping, navigation, safety procedures on shipsEntry-level bridge duties, assisting senior officers
Industry UsageMid-level officer, eligible for more complex vesselsEntry-level officer, gaining experience for higher licenses

The Second Mate License and Third Mate License are both essential maritime certifications. The Second Mate License qualifies officers for more advanced navigation and watchkeeping roles, while the Third Mate License is an entry-level certification. Both require similar credentials, but the Second Mate License demands more experience and responsibilities, making it suitable for those aiming to advance their maritime careers.

More about Second Mate License jobs
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What states have the most Second Mate License jobs? States with the most job openings for Second Mate License jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Second Mate License jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Second Mate License jobs are:
Second Mate License jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate License job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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

Re-posted 14 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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