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Second Mate Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Seafoods

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA · 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 ...

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 ...

American Seafoods

2nd Mate

Seattle, WA

$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 ...

Victory Casino Cruises

Third Mate

Cape Canaveral, FL · On-site

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 ...

G&H Towing

Mate In Training

Brownsville, TX · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

For a 12-hour harbor day $329.60 For a 24-hour harbor day $659.20 Schedule: 7 days on and 7 days off the vessel Job Summary Authority The second deck officer on the vessel is the Mate. When ...

G&H Towing

Mate In Training

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

For a 12-hour harbor day $329.60 For a 24-hour harbor day $659.20 Schedule: 7 days on and 7 days off the vessel Job Summary Authority The second deck officer on the vessel is the Mate. When ...

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Second Mate Officer information

What is the salary of a 2nd officer in a ship?

The salary of a second mate officer on a ship typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per month, depending on the vessel type, experience, and shipping company. Second mates are responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations, often requiring certification such as STCW and a few years of maritime experience.

What does a 2nd officer do on a ship?

A second officer on a ship is responsible for navigation, maintaining charts and navigation equipment, and overseeing safety procedures. They assist the chief officer with cargo operations, watchkeeping, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. The role requires certification such as STCW and strong knowledge of maritime safety protocols.

How many years does it take to become a 2nd officer in the merchant navy?

Becoming a second mate officer in the merchant navy typically requires about 2 to 3 years of sea service after completing a relevant maritime education and training program, such as a diploma or degree in nautical science. Candidates must also obtain necessary certifications like the STCW certification and gain experience in navigation and safety procedures before qualifying for the role.

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.

What is a second mate officer?

A second mate officer is a licensed maritime professional responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations on a vessel. They assist the chief mate, maintain navigational equipment, and often hold certifications such as STCW and a second mate license. The role typically involves watchkeeping duties and requires strong seamanship skills.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Second Mate Officer, and why are they important?

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.
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Second Mate Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

2nd Mate

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK • On-site

Other

Posted 21 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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