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Ship First Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory ... USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) * USCG Medical Emergency response training. * USCG Drill ...

Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory ... USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) * USCG Medical Emergency response training. * USCG Drill ...

Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory ... USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) * USCG Medical Emergency response training. * USCG Drill ...

Participating in navigation and watch keeping and security of the ship's assets. * Maintaining and ... STCW, minimum 50T USCG Master/Mate Coastal License. * Valid US Driver's license. * The vessel is ...

The First Mate assists the Captain to safely moor, operate, and maintain company vessels. The First ... Supervise and perform routine shipboard maintenance as required. * Solve problems that come up.

He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ... The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate ...

Mate

Portland, ME · On-site

He has docked ships on the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, and has led tractor-tug training exercises ... The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate ...

Providence Steamboat provides a full range of ship assist services on Narragansett Bay including ... The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate ...

Providence Steamboat provides a full range of ship assist services on Narragansett Bay including ... The Mate is the First Line Supervisor for members of the Deck Department. Additionally, the Mate ...

Mate Unlimited

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

They serve as the ship's navigation officer and support Master in all aspects of vessel management ... Strong work ethics, values, and principles with safety as the first priority * Understand and be ...

Second Mate

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assist First Mate and Master of vessel as required in day-to-day operational ... Shall have sufficient mathematical ability to determine ship's position, speed, and ETA. Shall be ...

Second Mate

Honolulu, HI

$24.75 - $27.75/hr

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Assist First Mate and Master of vessel as required in day-to-day operational ... Shall have sufficient mathematical ability to determine ship's position, speed, and ETA. Shall be ...

New

Mate

Ventura, CA · On-site

Seeking reliable self-motivated 100 ton or higher experienced OSV Mate with at least 2 yrs. under ... Must be able to safely manage and delegate ship's crew for cargo loading, daily maintenance of ship ...

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship ... ship's crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ...

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship ... ship's crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ...

Boatswain's Mate Category / Component: Enlisted • Both Overview Boatswain's Mates are seamanship ... ship's crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ...

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Ship First Mate information

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$17

$43

$66

How much do ship first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship first mate in the United States is $43.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $65.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do first mates get paid?

First mates on ships typically earn between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on the vessel size, experience, and certification level. Salaries can vary based on the employer, voyage duration, and whether the position is on commercial or recreational vessels.

What is the job of the first mate on a ship?

The first mate on a ship is the second-in-command after the captain and is responsible for overseeing the deck crew, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and assisting with navigation and ship operations. They often supervise maintenance, manage cargo, and may stand watch during voyages. Strong leadership, seamanship skills, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Ship First Mate vs Ship Captain?

AspectShip First MateShip Captain
CredentialsSTCW certification, maritime experienceSTCW certification, extensive maritime experience, often additional licenses
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, assisting in navigation and operationsOnboard ships, overall vessel management and decision-making
Employer & IndustryMaritime shipping, yachting, commercial vesselsMaritime shipping, commercial and luxury yachts
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Ship First Mate is primarily responsible for assisting the Ship Captain in navigation, safety, and daily operations. The Ship Captain holds the ultimate authority, overseeing the entire vessel and crew. While both roles require maritime certifications and experience, the Captain typically has more extensive licenses and leadership responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position based on qualifications and career goals.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Ship first mates working on large commercial vessels or luxury yachts can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and in-demand skills. Such high daily rates are typically associated with specialized maritime roles, often requiring certifications like STCW and a strong safety record.

How much does a first mate make on a ship?

A first mate on a ship typically earns between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on the vessel size, location, and experience. They are responsible for overseeing deck crew, safety procedures, and cargo operations, often requiring certifications such as STCW and a valid license. Salaries can vary widely based on the type of ship and the employer's pay scale.
More about Ship First Mate jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship First Mate jobs? Cities with the most Ship First Mate job openings:
What states have the most Ship First Mate jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship First Mate jobs include:
First Mate

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required

Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing operations and port calls; coordinates with other vessel departments during fishing operations, offload, backload and during transfer of personnel; inspects all areas of the vessel on an ongoing basis to ensure proper storage of supplies and product. Mates maintain records, reports and documents as required by the company, the US Coast Guard and other agencies. Mates also conduct safety drills and train the crew in performing safe work practices in accordance with OSHA, company policy and other guidelines. Mates provide emergency or routine medical assistance to crew, and coordinate for proper transfer of crew requiring additional medical care. Mates may perform the work of a deckhand as necessary (see Deckhand job description).

Essential Duties

Mates must be able to:

  • Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include but not limited to:
    • Commercial fishing equipment - Net reel, trawl gear, winches, cranes
    • Navigational equipment - Sonar, radar, fathometer, GPS
    • Communications equipment - VHF, satellite, telex, radio
  • Supervise bridge watch standing activities.
  • Supervise and direct all deck personnel.
  • Supervise all operations of the vessel not involving the direct operation of the factory.
  • Coordinate with all vessel departments and supervise on a continual basis.
  • Manage all at-sea medical and emergency operations.
  • Provide direct medical care to injured crew as necessary.
  • Direct the transfer of crew on and off the vessel.
  • Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory agencies.
  • Inspect vessel areas on a regular basis to ensure safe operation and the proper storage of supplies and product.

Work Schedule

  • Typical work hours are 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, however, the Mate is responsible on a 24 hours per day basis.
  • Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
  • Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
  • Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid, and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets, and aluminum pans.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
  • While performing the duties of this job, Mates are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Requirements

Education, Experience

  • Catcher processor captain experience.
  • USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons)
  • USCG Medical Emergency response training.
  • USCG Drill Instructor training.
  • Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
  • 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years.

Physical Demands

All employees must be able to:

  • Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob's ladder without assistance.
  • Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
  • Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
  • Work at least 16 hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
  • Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
  • Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
  • Use fingers, hands, and arms to push, pull and reach.
  • Bend and twist.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
  • Work in a cold and wet environment.
  • Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O'Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities

All employees must be able to:

  • Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
  • Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Live and work with others in close quarters.
  • Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
  • Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
  • Discern between various shades of color for reading navigational equipment, charts, identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms and warnings.

Benefits

  • Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
  • 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
  • O'Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Compensation

  • Crew-share compensation
  • $850 - $1150 average daily rate DOE

O'Hara Corporation 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.