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Second Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United States Coast Guard

Gunner's Mate

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$22 - $24.75/hr

Are You... * Comfortable with firearms? * Attentive to detail? * Inclined toward mechanics and math? * Interested in law enforcement or security? Skills You'll Learn Firearms maintenance Firearms ...

G&H Towing

Mate / Mate In Training

Galveston, 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 / 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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How much do second mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Second Mate, a maritime navigation officer, can earn around $10,000 or more per month, especially with extensive experience and certifications such as STCW. These roles often require maritime training, licensing, and working on ships, with schedules that can include long periods at sea away from land-based requirements for a degree.

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.

How much do 2Nd mates make?

Second mates typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, vessel size, and the shipping company. They are responsible for navigation, safety, and cargo operations, often requiring certification such as STCW and a third mate license. Salaries can vary based on the region and the type of vessel operated.

What are Second Mates?

A Second Mate is a licensed officer on a merchant ship who is responsible for navigation and safety duties. They typically serve as the ship's navigator, planning and overseeing the vessel's course, and are often in charge of updating charts and navigational publications. Second Mates also stand watch, assist with cargo operations, and supervise crew members as needed. Their role is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the ship.

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.

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Second Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Second Mate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,628 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Second Mate/Tankerman - ATB

Second Mate/Tankerman - ATB

Centerline Logistics Corporation

Bayonne, NJ

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Must be able to understand and carry out the orders and directions of the captain. The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: cargo pumps operate tank/pipeline valves, operate manual and hydraulic booms.  Will be expected to stand a navigational watch on trips greater than 600 NM. 


The job responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • Stands wheelhouse watch alternating with Captain.
  • Oversees safety of vessel including all installed equipment and inspections thereof.
  • Safely making and breaking tow with barges, handling lines and wires.
  • Maintains chart corrections and light lists, Coast Pilots and all other applicable publications for Area of Operations.
  • Must be able to communicate in English and effectively direct workers in assigning jobs and seeing them through to completion.
  • Must be able to train assigned workers. Instruct deckhands in seamanship skills and on use of all tools and machinery aboard the vessel.
  • Assists captain in barge landings and must be able to communicate distances and directions to Captain clearly, accurately and concisely.
  • Determine the need for and assign lookouts as necessary.
  • Become familiar with and enforce company safety practices.
  • Complete accurate paperwork. Knowledge of basic arithmetic skills (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
  • Maintain professional relations with customers.
  • Check oil and water in any equipment on board before putting in use.
  • Responsible for general barge maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Testing of hydrostatic cargo hoses and piping.
  • Change engine oil and filters.
  • Splice barge lines and boom running gear.
  • Inspecting for cleanliness of vessel and barge.
  • Inventory supplies and order as appropriate.
  • Monitor onboard usage to ensure supplies are utilized in an efficient manner.

  • Must have a valid Mate Coast Guard license 1600 GT near Coastal or Oceans with radar observer endorsement, Mate of Towing, OICNW, ECDIA, STCW and PIC barge endorsement.
  • Mate of Towing
  • Previous experience as a Mate or Master of a tug hauling oil barges.
  • Previous experience as a tank barge operator on oil barges preferred.
  • Knowledge of Coast Guard and state requirements for transfer operations.
  • Completion of Coast Guard approved firefighting training.
  • Knowledge of company safety practices.
  • Valid state driver’s
  • Valid first aid certificate and CPR training.
  • Complete 24 hour HAZWOPER training within 30 days of hire.
  • Must be able to perform the functions set forth in the job analysis and be physically fit enough to pull heavy lines/hoses, lift, carry heavy items, kneel while painting, climb onto barges and up and down ladders, and bending and twisting during boat/barge tie up.
  • Must be able to fairly evaluate subordinates.
  • Must be able to understand and use information in cargo information cards and material safety data sheets.
  • Ability to be self-motivated and to think and respond quickly to emergency situations (oil spills, mechanical failures, etc.).
  • Must be able to read, speak, and understand English over telephone and/or radio.
  • Must be legally eligible to enter Canadian Territory.

  • Exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, heat, wind, heavy seas, etc.)
  • Work aboard boats and barges using pike poles, heavy lines, and winches, mechanical tools for repairs, paint, thinner, paint brushes/rollers, paint chipping tools, cleaning solvents, kitchen utensils/cookware, and electrical cords. Air purifying respirator, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), air monitoring equipment, hearing protection, VHF radio, hand tools, tow lines, high level alarms and thermometer. Operates diesel engines, cargo pumps, hydraulic booms, cargo gear, gate valves, and butterfly valves.
  • Must not be afraid of heights.

  • Ability to adapt to a variety of schedules and hours
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, and at night. Willing to take call outs.

Centerline Logistics currently has companies operating across three US coasts in every major Jones Act marketplace providing world-class safe and efficient transportation. In an industry where the unexpected can arise at every turn, Centerline is committed to leading the charge by continually providing exceptional customer service, lowering its environmental impact and deepening its stewardship in the communities it serves.

Centerline Logistics offers competitive benefit and compensation packages. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity and Drug Free Work place. Pre-employment drug testing is required.

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