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Second Mate Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Second Mate Unlimited

Iselin, NJ ยท On-site

$45.29/hr

Reporting to the Master, is a watch officer in the Deck Department and assists the Master and Chief ... Prefer Second Mate experience on a similar research vessel. Candidates must have a high level of ...

Second Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$374 - $402/day

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Second Mate with Lindblad Expeditions, you're far more than a watchstander--you ... Creates and maintains the New Hire Checklist, ensuring each Training Officer is aware of completion ...

Second Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$28.50 - $31.75/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Second Mate with Lindblad Expeditions, you're far more than a watchstander-you ... Creates and maintains the New Hire Checklist, ensuring each Training Officer is aware of completion ...

Second Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$28.50 - $31.75/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Second Mate with Lindblad Expeditions, you're far more than a watchstander-you ... Creates and maintains the New Hire Checklist, ensuring each Training Officer is aware of completion ...

2ND MATE

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$24.75 - $27.50/hr

Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW) * STCW with all required endorsements * Valid TWIC * Valid Passport - must be able to travel internationally with no felonies, DUI, or other ...

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$8.0K - $10K/mo

Maintain up-to-date certificate file (expiration dates) for Maritime Compliance Officer * Yearly ... Minimum 3 years' experience as 2nd Mate of Fishing Vessels participating in fisheries in Alaskan or ...

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA ยท 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 ...

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$8.0K - $10K/mo

Manifests, Mate's Receipts, HR Paperwork, Injury/Illness Reports, FishmealSamples * Crew Needs ... Maintain up-to-date certificate file (expirationdates) for Maritime Compliance Officer * Yearly EPA ...

The position is junior to a second mate. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, its crewing, and other factors. Duties related to the role of safety officer focus on responsibility for ...

The position is junior to a second mate. Other duties vary depending on the type of ship, its crewing, and other factors. Duties related to the role of safety officer focus on responsibility for ...

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Second Mate Officer information

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

To thrive as a Second Mate Officer, you need a valid Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate, strong navigation skills, and knowledge of maritime regulations. Proficiency in using electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), radar, and other bridge equipment is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and communication skills help ensure safe and efficient vessel operations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining navigational safety, regulatory compliance, and effective teamwork on board.

What are some typical challenges faced by a second mate officer, and how can they be addressed?

Second Mate Officers often face challenges such as managing voyage planning, keeping navigational equipment updated, and ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations. They must remain vigilant during watchkeeping, especially in congested waters or adverse weather conditions. Proactive communication with the bridge team and ongoing training in the latest navigation technology can help address these challenges and ensure safe and efficient vessel operations.

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

AspectSecond Mate OfficerThird Mate Officer
CertificationsSTCW Deck Officer Certification, Second Mate LicenseSTCW Deck Officer Certification, Third Mate License
ResponsibilitiesNavigation, safety, cargo operations, watchkeepingWatchkeeping, safety checks, assisting navigation
Work EnvironmentBridge of ships, international watersBridge of ships, international waters
Industry UsageCommercial shipping, cargo vessels, tankersCommercial shipping, cargo vessels, tankers

The Second Mate Officer and Third Mate Officer roles are both deck officer positions requiring similar certifications and working in the same environment. The Second Mate typically has more responsibilities, including navigation and cargo oversight, while the Third Mate focuses on watchkeeping and safety duties. Both roles are essential in commercial shipping and often serve as stepping stones to higher ranks.

How much does a Second Mate Officer earn?

A Second Mate Officer typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, vessel type, and the shipping company. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, such as STCW, and extended time at sea.

Is a Second Mate Officer an officer?

Yes, a Second Mate Officer is a licensed maritime officer responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations on a vessel. They hold an officer rank and typically require certification such as a Second Mate license and relevant maritime training. As an officer, they work alongside other licensed crew members to ensure the safe operation of the ship.

What is the average salary for a Second Mate Officer?

The average salary for a Second Mate Officer typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, vessel type, and the shipping company. Salaries often include benefits such as travel allowances and overtime pay, and the role requires certification such as STCW and a valid license. Experienced Second Mates working on large commercial ships tend to earn toward the higher end of this range.
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What cities are hiring for Second Mate Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Second Mate Officer job openings:

What states have the most Second Mate Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Second Mate Officer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Second Mate Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Second Mate Unlimited

Whoi

Iselin, NJ โ€ข On-site

$45.29/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 3 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Second Mate Unlimited. The position begins 8/21/2026. Reporting to the Master, is a watch officer in the Deck Department and assists the Master and Chief Mate with duties; designated the ship's navigation officer, maintains all navigation equipment, publications, charts, and prepares information for the bridge.

Job Description

Normally 12-4 bridge watch; posts qualified and alert lookouts during watch at sea to ensure a properly maintained and efficient watch; checks to see that quartermaster steers correct course, and that lookouts carry out all orders; maneuvers ship, under Master's general supervision, to carry out scientific operations. Verifies that all charts, and navigational publications needed are onboard. Maintains and corrects nautical charts and publications as specified by notice to mariners. Plots voyage track for the Master's approval by using charts of appropriate scale, provides Master with navigational information for transit routes to ports of call, including Sailing Directions, Coast Pilot, Light List, and Tide and Current tables; and other sources that may be appropriate prior to entering or leaving port. Ensures that bridge electronics, navigational and alarm systems, and lights are in good working order, that all required flags are aboard and in good condition; and that sufficient spare parts are onboard. Submits navigation requisitions and repair lists to Chief Mate. Performs other duties as required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy with two years' sea duty as a deck officer; in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.

Candidates must possess computer literacy in the use of word-processing, inventory management, and electronic mail programs. Prefer Second Mate experience on a similar research vessel. Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard license, preferably Second Mate Unlimited, Ocean. Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong is Second Mate Unlimited, Ocean or Third Mate Unlimited, Ocean plus experience and demonstrated proficiency to Master's satisfaction; R/V Atlantis requires unlimited Second Mate, Ocean. Required for all WHOI Ships are a valid Radar Observer Certificate, Unlimited, and an FCC license as GMDSS Operator.

In addition to the above, all licensed officers must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport. Candidates must have good personnel management skills, and extensive navigation experience to help support the vessel's scientific mission. Must be able to pass a Pre-employment DOT drug screen. Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate."

Additional Job Requirements

Hourly rate $45.29. The hourly rate provided for this position reflects the set base pay for new hires.Annual compensation will be based on this hourly rate and the number of hours worked, in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws. In addition to hourly pay, eligible employees may also receive a comprehensive benefits package. All marine positions have essential functions that personnel must be able to perform, minimum physical capacities and requirements that all personnel must meet, and working conditions that may be considered hazardous. Working at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Work at sea for three to five months continuously. Live and work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion. Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing as established in Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12, and pass a physical evaluation as described in the enclosed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89. Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high. Participate in emergency drills and in launching lifeboats and life rafts. Perform physical labor, climb and handle moderate weights and equipment over 50 pounds. Physical Capability Example of Essential Function Balance Work in confined and unstable areas. Bend, kneel, squat Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment. Climb Reach work areas, equipment and stores by ladder and stairs. Crawl Crawl through bilge pockets, and under ladders and winch beds. Feel Touch objects: where sight is limited. Finger Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear. Handle Handle equipment and stores with sure grip. Hear, talk Communicate with people. Lift, carry Load stores over 50 pounds. Push, pull Move equipment over 50 pounds. Reach Up, over, and under equipment and stores. See Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting. Sit Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft. Stand Work on equipment. Walk Perform rounds at sea. Write Maintain logs. Work Condition Example of Hazardous Area/Duty Confined areas Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks Potential allergens and irritants Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases Adverse weather On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance Extreme temperatures On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room Potential hazards Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft Noise Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans Schedule Protracted and irregular working hours Vibrations Ship's engines and chipping hammer.

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.