Second Mate Jobs in the U.S. Maritime Industry
4 open second mate positions, updated November 3, 2026
Open Second Mate Positions
Mate/Second Mate Marine Vessels Offshore
Genesis Energy, LLC
Second Mate, U.S. Brig Niagara (Second Mate, Flagship Niagara)
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Second Mate Unlimited
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Second Mate Unlimited
Whoi
About Second Mate Jobs
Second Mate is the navigator. On a traditional watch structure that means the twelve to four, the quietest and least social watch on the ship, plus ownership of everything the ship uses to know where it is: the passage plan, chart and publication corrections, ECDIS updates, GPS and gyro checks, and the night orders written against the Master's standing instructions.
On many U.S.-flagged vessels the Second Mate also carries the medical officer role, which is why medical person in charge training is a routine hiring requirement. It is a real responsibility. The nearest doctor may be a radio call and several days away.
The license comes after documented service as third mate, with the required courses and exam, and STCW endorsements for anything sailing international routes. Radar observer and ARPA are standard.
Berths are on deep-sea cargo ships and tankers, government-operated and MSC vessels, research and survey ships, and larger offshore units. Many are filled through deck officer unions, where shipping cards and seniority govern.
The grade matters mostly as a step. Sea time here is what qualifies you to sit for Chief Mate, and the navigation work is the best preparation for it.
Where Second Mates Are Hiring
Companies Hiring Second Mates
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Second Mate responsible for?
- Traditionally navigation. The Second Mate is the navigating officer, responsible for voyage planning, chart and publication corrections, and the bridge navigational equipment, and normally stands the twelve to four watch.
- What license do I need?
- A USCG Second Mate endorsement for the tonnage and route, earned with documented service as a third mate, required courses and an exam, plus STCW endorsements for international voyages.
- Does the Second Mate handle medical duties?
- On many U.S. vessels, yes. The medical officer role often falls to the Second Mate, which is why medical care provider or medical person in charge training is commonly required.
- Where do Second Mate jobs come from?
- Deep-sea companies, MSC and government-operated fleets, research vessels, and deck officer union halls. Academy graduates who have sailed as third mate are the usual pipeline.