Mates and first officers run the bridge watch and deck under the captain, the direct path to command.
4 to 8 years from deckhand to mate. Mate roles begin around 30m and up.
Entry pay is about $4,500 to $6,000 a month, rising to $6,500 to $9,500 with experience. See the full yacht mate salary guide.
Once you have your tickets, get in front of hiring captains and managers. Create a free crew profile, then browse yacht mate jobs and apply directly with no agency fees.
At a minimum, STCW basic safety training and an ENG1 seafarer medical, plus the role-specific tickets listed above.
Many people enter as green crew. The fastest route is getting your certificates, building a strong CV, and dockwalking or daywalking in a hub port. Sign up free to get started.