A captain’s mate, also known as a first mate or chief mate, is the second in command on a ship, after the captain. The mate is responsible for overseeing the ship’s crew and operations when the captain is unavailable. Some key duties of a mate include scheduling work shifts, maintaining logbooks, handling cargo operations, and navigating the vessel when needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
The specific duties of a mate vary depending on the type and size of the ship they work on. However, there are some common responsibilities shared by most mates:
- Supervising deck crew – This involves assigning tasks, overseeing work, conducting inspections, and enforcing safety rules.
- Navigation – When the captain is off duty, the mate is responsible for plotting courses, following navigation plans, and maneuvering the ship.
- Cargo operations – The mate oversees all cargo handling, including loading, unloading, securing and inspecting cargo.
- Documentation – Mates must maintain detailed logs of the ship’s course, speed, weather conditions and other events that occur during a voyage.
- Maintenance – Scheduling and supervising routine maintenance and repairs is an important duty of the mate.
- Emergency response – In case of accidents, fires, storms or other crises, the mate implements emergency procedures and manages damage control.
In addition to these core duties, the mate serves as an advisor to the captain and acts as the captain when the primary is off duty or incapacitated. On small vessels, the mate may also stand watch, assist with navigating and directly handle lines when docking.
Qualifications and Training
To qualify as a mate, several years of experience working on ships is typically required. Many start out as able-bodied seamen to gain the necessary skills and experience before becoming mates.
Key qualifications include:
- Leadership skills – Since they manage crews, mates must have strong leadership and management capabilities.
- Seamanship skills – Extensive knowledge of navigation, cargo handling, vessel maintenance and maritime procedures is essential.
- Physical ability – The work requires physical strength and stamina for demanding tasks.
- Navigation skills – Mates must be experts in navigational techniques, equipment and software.
- Communication skills – Giving clear directions to crew and interfacing with captains requires strong communication abilities.
- Problem-solving skills – When emergencies arise far from shore, mates must quickly assess situations and determine the best courses of action.
- Licenses – Depending on the type of vessel, certain licensing and certifications are required to legally work as a mate.
To acquire the skills needed, most mates attend maritime academies to earn bachelor’s degrees or receive training through the military. Deckhand experience, passing required exams and earning necessary licenses are also essential steps in preparing for the role.
Types of Mates
While all mates perform the core functions outlined above, there are some distinctions between the different classes of mates:
First Mate
The first mate (or chief mate) ranks just below the ship’s master or captain. On small vessels, the captain and first mate often stand watch together when underway. The first mate typically has the most maritime experience and licensing of all the mates.
Second Mate
Assigned under the chief mate, the second mate is still considered a licensed officer. Second mates are usually found on larger ships with additional navigational needs. Their primary role is to be a relief officer, standing watch for the captain and first mate.
Third Mate
The third mate is an entry level licensed deck officer position. On smaller ships, they perform duties under the first mate’s supervision. On large ships, they stand watch as a navigational and safety officer when the captain, first mate and second mate are off duty.
Mate vs First Officer
The terms mate and first officer are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. The first officer is the top-ranking deck officer on any vessel, reporting directly to the captain. This means on some ships, the first officer may hold the rank of chief mate rather than captain.
However, the main distinction is that a first officer is specifically the officer in charge of the deck department. Mates usually perform deck officer duties, but not always. For example, some cargo ships have a first officer overseeing deck operations and a separate chief mate in an administrative role overseeing ship operations as a whole.
Mate Pay and Job Outlook
Salaries for mates can vary based on factors like:
- Type of vessel – Cargo ship mates make more than recreational boat mates.
- Size of ship – Large ship mates earn higher wages than small ship mates.
- Route – International routes provide higher pay compared to coastal or inland waterways.
- Experience/rank – Chief mates earn the highest salaries.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for US first mates was $73,810 as of May 2021. Chief mates earned around $86,160 annually on average. Benefits like healthcare and retirement contributions often add significantly to total compensation.
The job outlook for captain and mate roles is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, keeping pace with the average for all US occupations. Demand is driven by workers exiting the labor force and general growth in maritime industries.
Pros and Cons of Being a Mate
Working as a ship’s mate has both benefits and drawbacks:
Pros
- Travel opportunities – Mates get to visit exotic ports all over the world.
- High wages – Compensation for licensed deck officers is very competitive.
- Leadership experience – Managing crews in high stakes situations builds valuable management skills.
- Adventure – Life at sea offers excitement and adventures not found in land-based roles.
- Tight community – Camaraderie develops between crew members working in close quarters for months.
Cons
- Time away – Months away from home can be difficult for relationships and family life.
- Isolation – Limited internet and communication impacts staying connected.
- Danger – Hazards like storms, accidents and piracy threaten safety.
- Stress – Immense responsibility for lives/cargo on long voyages causes stress.
- Fewer opportunities for women – The male-dominated industry has been slow to integrate women.
Conclusion
A ship’s mate fulfills a vital role, ensuring smooth sailing as the captain’s right hand. The extensive skills and experience required result in mates earning the respect and competitive wages they command. While the extended periods at sea can be challenging, a mate career offers incredible opportunities for leadership development, high pay, world travel and camaraderie for those drawn to life on the water.