ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Second Mate License Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Victory Casino Cruises

Third Mate

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

... licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The third mate is a watchstander and customarily the ship's safety officer and fourth-in-command. The position is junior to a second mate.

Victory Casino Cruises

Third Mate

Cape Canaveral, FL

... licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The third mate is a watchstander and customarily the ship's safety officer and fourth-in-command. The position is junior to a second mate.

Bristol Bay Fuels

Mate

Kenai, AK · On-site

... second to other Alaska Native Corporation Shareholders in accordance with P.L. 93-638. Required Qualifications: * USCG License (Master or Mate of Towing) is required. * Radar Unlimited course is ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA

$600 - $686/hr

Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out the orders ... Minimum 200 Ton Mate Near Coastal USCG license with towing endorsement. * Permanent residence in ...

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Mate, OTB

Seattle, WA · On-site

$686/wk

Overview Acts as second in command of the tug and barge. Must be able to understand and carry out ... Minimum 200 Ton Mate Near Coastal USCG license with towing endorsement. * Permanent residence in ...

V2X

Acts as second in command and reports to the vessel captain. * Uses tools such as ballasting and ... Coast Guard 200T Mater license with all applicable STCW endorsements for international waters or a ...

V2X

Acts as second in command and reports to the vessel captain. * Uses tools such as ballasting and ... Coast Guard 200T Mater license with all applicable STCW endorsements for international waters or a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSecond Mate License Jobs

Second Mate License information

See salary details

$22

$25

$29

How much do second mate license jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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, and why are they important?

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Second Mate License can lead to high-paying maritime roles such as chief mate or captain, which can pay $4,000 or more weekly, especially with experience and certifications. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial pilot, real estate broker, or certain sales roles, but these often require specialized training or licensing. Maritime positions typically require maritime training, certifications, and experience at sea.

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.

How to become a second mate?

To become a second mate, you need to obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential with a second mate license, which requires completing approved maritime training, accumulating sea service hours, and passing written exams. Typically, candidates start as deck cadets or third mates to gain necessary experience and must meet age and health requirements set by maritime authorities.

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.

What is the highest paid marine job?

The highest paid marine job is often that of a captain or master of large commercial vessels, such as oil tankers or cargo ships, with salaries reaching six figures annually. These roles require extensive experience, advanced certifications like a Master Mariner license, and often involve long periods at sea. Senior officers in the maritime industry typically earn the highest compensation due to their responsibility and expertise.

What is the job of a second mate?

A second mate is a licensed maritime officer responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations on a vessel. They assist the chief mate in maintaining charts, watchkeeping, and safety procedures, often working in shifts and requiring certification such as a Second Mate License.
More about Second Mate License jobs
What cities are hiring for Second Mate License jobs? Cities with the most Second Mate License job openings:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Master or Mate on Factory Trawler

Master or Mate on Factory Trawler

United States Seafoods LLC

Dutch Harbor, AK • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description:

United States Seafoods is a Commercial Fishing Company with factory trawlers out of Alaska. We are looking for entry level and experienced crew members to work on board our vessels. We are looking for full-time, long-term employees who are willing to work a rotating schedule throughout the year.


United States Seafoods is currently recruiting for a Licensed Master or Mate to perform work on one of our factory trawlers. We fish from January to November, key crew work on a rotational schedule with roughly 60 days on/60 days off. The Master/Mate must be USCG Licensed for 1600 tons or greater, and have of minimum of three (3) years of bottom trawl fishing experience as a master or mate.


Total crew size is 60-70 crewmembers. This individual shall be competent in the use of modern marine navigational and fish-detecting equipment and be skilled in rigging and repairing bottom trawls.


A Master or Mate will -

  • Manage bag size, tow times and deliveries to ensure a high-quality product.
  • Actively ensure companies quality standards are met.
  • Communicate daily with USS office and directly with all department heads on production, quality, and safety. Hold daily meeting with Bosun, Purser, Chief Engineer, Factory Manager/Foreman, Factory Technician, QC, and 1st Cook to assure proper management of the vessel including production, quality, and safety.
  • Communicate any relevant problems, situations, and solutions.
  • Operate and ensure the vessel and equipment in a safe and productive manner that is applicable to regulatory agencies, to the law, under the Masters’ direction.
  • Complete a daily safety walk throughout the entire vessel; complete and submit a safety report and completed VSIF. Run required safety drills and instruct crewmembers in safety procedures. Discuss safety by department with Department heads during the pre-trip meeting
  • Treat in coordination with AMP all Injury and Illnesses onboard. Hold a post injury/accident safety meeting with relevant department heads as soon as the situation is stabilized.
  • Operate the vessel in a safe and productive manner that is applicable to the law. Ensure that the vessel is fishing in an open area and that no prohibited species are retained, have regular communication with USS Fisheries department on any questions.
  • Ensure that the vessels operation complies with all legal reporting and data entry
  • Oversee and approve wheelhouse and deck inventory and ordering while ensuring all maintenance is done on fishing gear and equipment.
Requirements:
  • Fishing Vessel Experience Required
  • Trawler Experience Preferred
  • USCG License 1600 Tons or Greater
  • Adhere to the positions rotation schedule to ensure proper coverage of the vessel
  • Maintain a valid USCG License / First Aid/CPR / Complete company required Cold Water Survival


EEO Policy: The Company's equal employment opportunity policy prohibits unlawful discrimination with respect to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, veteran or other status protected by applicable law.


EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability

Apply