These are GENERIC ONLY and not Necessarily Relevant to any particular Company.  It should be noted, however, that if you do not believe you can meet these minimum requirements, you should look to another profession.

Responsibilities: 

Next to the Master the position of Mate is the most exacting and responsible position on board a vessel. The Chief Mate is expected to assume the position and responsibilities of the Master should that Officer, for any cause be unable to perform the duties. The Chief Mate must be certified and qualified to operate as Master of the vessel.

The nature of vessel work calls for considerable skill on the part of the Mate to supervise and coordinate the activities of the crew for the efficient operation of the vessel with due regard to giving adequate rest periods, by careful planning and personal attention, the mate is expected to maintain the ship in a clean and efficient condition.

Functions: 

  • Inspect, maintain, and test safety and lifesaving equipment, fire fighting equipment and systems, navigational lights, ship’s whistle, foghorn, and search and signal lights.
  • Responsible for the cleaning, painting, and general housekeeping to provide sanitary conditions on the vessel.
  • Inspect and test the internal communications system and the general alarm system.
  • Assist the Master in preparing the vessel for scheduled inspections and surveys.
  • Responsible for keeping the Master advised of changes in the material condition of the vessel.
  • Responsible to the Master for the safe navigation of the vessel while serving as the Officer of the Deck.
  • Responsible for the assignment of crew members to handle lines for the mooring of the vessel.
  • Adhere to and comply with company policies, USCG, and environmental regulations.
  • Responsible to the Master for the safe and proper stowage and securing of deck cargo and ensuring all deck cargo brought aboard agrees with the provided manifest.
  • Work a rotation watch involving 12 hours in a 24 hour period with occasional additional hours not to exceed 14 consecutive hours.
  • Responsible for taking the initiative to direct the actions of personnel at the scene of any emergency (in charge of the emergency squad).
  • Ensure that areas of responsibility are secured for adverse weather.
  • Provide first aid to injured personnel according to training or directions from the Master.
  • Responsible for the launching of the liferafts.
  • Assumes command of the vessel if the Master is incapacitated.
  • Responsible for participating in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations.
  • Assign work to himself/herself and deck hands, taking into account the weather, the vessel’s schedule, the crew size and experience, and
    supplies.
  • Supervise, instruct and assist the deckhands in the proper methods and procedures for completing maintenance and repair work.
  • Supervise the deckhands in the safe and proper stowage of deck cargo.
  • Train and assign personnel to sea watches and in-port security watches.
  • Responsible for implementing on-the-job training of the deckhands under the direction of the Master, and in such a manner as to not interfere with any operations.
  • Responsible for training the crew in emergency procedures during drills, as directed by the Master.
  • Responsible for supporting the ongoing safety program aboard the vessel by training members of the deck department in the wearing of protective clothing, and by stressing the use of common sense and the need for alertness while carrying out assignments.
  • Recommend personnel for promotion and increase in pay.
  • Responsible for ensuring that morale and discipline are properly maintained.
  • Keeping a running inventory of amounts and expiration dates of lifesaving equipment, firefighting equipment, and emergency equipment required and on board.
  • Holds a valid license issued by the U. S. Coast Guard.
  • Perform any other additional duties that may be required or assigned.
  • Assist with training of personnel as needed.
  • Responsible for documenting and notifying supervisor immediately of any accidents / illnesses / vessel incidents / near misses / etc.

  • Responsible for participating in the company's safety programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring the maintenance and use of all necessary PPE.
  • Responsible for ensuring the elimination of at-risk behaviors by reducing unsafe conditions and un-safe acts on and around the work-site.
  • Responsible for participating in safety and rescue drills for emergency situations.
  • Reports any suspicious behavior, activities, cargo or security breaches to the Vessel Security Officers

Physical Demand Requirements:

  • Required to be able to write in English, read in English, calculate, have estimation skills, possess good verbal presentation and be able to
    communicate effectively.
  • Required to be able to tolerate repetitive and prolonged postures involving standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, kneeling, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, stretching, and reaching to full range from above head to the floor.
  • Required to utilize good dexterity and frequently use one and two hands throughout the work period for grasping the controls of the vessel.
  • Required to be able to climb ladders, stairwells, and use good balance/coordination when walking over uneven and/ or slippery surfaces.
  • Required to have sufficient cardio-respiratory fitness to occasionally perform medium – heavy physical labor involving the ability to sit and/or
    stand for extended periods, walk for prolonged periods, handle various materials and tools, climb ladders, and climb stairwells.
  • Ability to be subject to adverse weather conditions including rough seas, cold, wet, elevated temperatures, and humid conditions.
  • Required to be able to lift at least 100 lbs from floor to waist.
  • Required to be able to lift at least 75 lbs. from floor to shoulder.
  • Required to be able to lift at least 25 lbs. from deck to above head.
  • Required to be able to demonstrate 90 lbs of grip strength in dominant hand and 80 lbs. in non-dominant hand

Reports to Mate / Master