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Ship First Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$41.66 - $57.55/hr

... ship docking services, marine transportation, LNG support operations, environmental recovery, and ... The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ...

Ghostrock

Navy Gunner's Mate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$39.78 - $48.13/hr

S. Navy Ships under the direction of Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) and serves as ... Navy Gunner's Mate "A" School graduate * Navy 5"/54 MK45 MOD2 "C" School or Navy 5"/54 MK45 MOD4 "C ...

Coastal Villages Region Fund

Longline Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Mate is expected to safely and effectively navigate the vessel when the Captain is not on duty ... Maintain safe practices aboard the ship and assist with conducting safety drills. * Assist with ...

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$43

$66

How much do ship first mate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Ship First Mate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship First Mate jobs are:
Ship First Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship First Mate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,000 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Mate

Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection | Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Philadelphia, PA

$38 - $41/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Moran Towing Corporation (www.morantug.com) has an opportunity available for a Mate, for Moran Philadelphia. This is a full-time position.

Moran Towing Corporation is one of the oldest companies in America and has prospered by continuously reinventing itself for over 160 years. Starting in 1860 as a tugboat company, we have grown from those roots to become a dominant provider of commercial ship docking services, marine transportation, LNG support operations, environmental recovery, and commercial diving services. While economies, cultures, markets, and technology will always continue to evolve, our steadfast commitment to partnering with our employees and customers to solve our customers' marine requirements has enabled us to stay the course year after year.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew members are subject to his/her orders. Mates are direct representatives of Moran and are responsible for administering Company policies and procedures.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Carrying out all lawful orders issued by the Captain.
  • Being fully conversant with the Safety Management System.
  • Reviewing current operational status of the vessel.
  • Consulting with the Captain regarding vessel operations and specifically how to handle a situation.
  • Reporting unsafe situations or opportunities for improvement.
  • Reporting any violation, including, breach of regulations or Company policies to the Captain.
  • Undertaking maintenance responsibilities under the Captain's direction and delegating responsibilities to other crew members as required.
  • Assisting with training of the crew as directed.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Captain or his/her designee.

REQUIREDQUALIFICATIONS:

  • Merchant Mariners Credential (MMC).
  • Mate of Towing Vessel.
  • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • STCW certification (if required for service).
  • USCG 719k Physical examination meeting Merchant Mariner Medical certification.
  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug.
  • Excellent communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Work safely in a marine setting.
  • Walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time.
  • Frequently reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently crouch or stoop.
  • Climb/descend stairs and ladders.
  • Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 60 lbs.
  • Occasionally enter and work in enclosed spaces.
  • Withstand exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, rain, cold and or/humidity.

IN RETURN, WE OFFER:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Career development opportunities
  • Team-oriented work environment
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Company paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance Plans
  • Employee Assistance, Health Advocate, and Wellness Programs
  • Generous 401(k) Plan with employer non-elective, matching, and discretionary contributions
  • Company paid Financial Advice Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

Moran Towing Corporation offers generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive salaries based on geographic location. Our target pay range for the Mateposition is $38.00- $41.00per hour. This pay range represents Moran's commitment to pay transparency and is a reasonable estimate of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. The final salary for this role will be determined based on careful consideration of a variety of factors, such as the candidate's exact location, experience, and expertise related to the qualifications.

Moran Towing Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, or other legally protected status.

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