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Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Coast Guard

Boatswain's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

Captain, Mate, or Pilot of Water Vessels * General and Operations Manager * Emergency Management Director * First-line Supervisor of Material-moving Machine and Vehicle Operators * Schedule ...

Seaport Museum New York

Relief Mate

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Job Summary The Mate assists, at the direction of the Captain, in all aspects of the operation, handling, and maintenance of the 1885 schooner Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker . They serve as ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Second Mate information

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$22

$25

$29

How much do second mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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.

How much does a second mate earn?

A second mate's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations, often working on a rotational schedule at sea.

What is the average salary for a second mate?

The average salary for a second mate typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, vessel type, and certification level. Second mates are responsible for navigation and safety on ships, often requiring a valid STCW certification and prior maritime experience.
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Second Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, 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

United States Seafoods LLC

Dutch Harbor, AK • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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 

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