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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.

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 ...

Chief Mate

AK · On-site

... Mate. To be successful in this position the candidate will be a team player with a positive ... Keep the ship's navigational outfit including charts and nautical publications fully corrected

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP. Under the ... Coast Guard apply to the position of Mate. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a ...

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP. Under the ... Coast Guard apply to the position of Mate. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a ...

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP. Under the ... Coast Guard apply to the position of Mate. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a ...

Mate (Ferry)

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP. Under the ... Coast Guard apply to the position of Mate. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a ...

... first aid, vessel to vessel transfer, abandon ship procedures, the SMS and the CSP. Under the ... Coast Guard apply to the position of Mate. Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a ...

Job Title: Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are ... a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ...

Job Title: Boatswains Mate Category / Component: Enlisted Both Overview Boatswains Mates are ... a ships crew. They handle small boats, maintain topside equipment, and support cargo handling ...

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Ship First Mate information

See salary details

$17

$43

$66

How much do ship first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 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.

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.

How much does a cruise ship first mate make?

A cruise ship first mate typically earns between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on experience, the cruise line, and the size of the vessel. They are responsible for assisting the captain and overseeing deck operations, often requiring certifications such as STCW and maritime training. Salaries can vary based on the cruise company's pay scale and the voyage schedule.

How to become a ship first mate on a ship?

To become a ship first mate, you typically need to gain maritime experience and obtain relevant certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential and STCW certifications. Progressing from deckhand or mate trainee roles, you must accumulate sea time, demonstrate leadership skills, and pass exams to advance to first mate status.

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

The ship first mate, also known as the chief mate, is responsible for overseeing the deck crew, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and assisting the captain with navigation and ship operations. They often supervise cargo handling, maintain safety equipment, and may hold certifications such as STCW. The first mate plays a key role in the daily management and safety of the vessel.
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:

Infographic showing various Ship First Mate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,000 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

First Mate

O'Hara Corporation

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 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 ½ 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.