The chief mate’s job while underway consists of standing watch, navigating the Inside Passage and the waters of the Gulf of Alaska. During cargo operations, the mate supervises and participates in the loading and unloading of cargo.

On the Inside Passage, the Second Mate stands a watch under the tutelage of the captain or chief mate, learning the details of the route. Underway on the open sea, the second mate is in charge of his or her own watch. In port, a Second Mate participates in the physical work of cargo operations.

Two-thirds of the trip is underway time, standing watches. One-third of the 24-day trip is spent in cargo operations. Cargo operations are rough physical work in an extreme environment. You must be able to lift heavy weights, up to 100 pounds. Main duties of cargo operation are: driving yard and stay cargo gear; operating lift trucks; slinging loads; working with lashing chain, chain binders, and dunnage; and sweeping and cleaning cargo holds. This is a fast-paced job, suitable for high-energy individuals.

MINIMUM LICENSE REQUIREMENT: USCG uninspected coastwise 500 tons. Fishing

WORK SCHEDULES: Most mates work one voyage on, one voyage off. A voyage is usually 25 days long. Between voyages, the crew generally gets 1 to 5 days off in Seattle.

MEDICAL CRITERIA - READ CAREFULLY: IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE NOT UP TO THIS KIND OF WORK DO NOT APPLY.

Criteria- Individuals go out on 25-day voyages in what could be rough waters on a vessel making random and severe motions. They can be sedentary for the first nine days, then perform physical labor.

Prospective employees must be able to lift 100 lb. to shoulder height and the same weight overhead by partially resting it on another object, for many hours.

Prospective employees must be able to stand, suitably clothed, exposed to arctic conditions for long periods of time. They must be able to breath in a freezer hold with an air temperature of -10 deg. F.

Prospective employees must be to stay on their feet for long periods. Due to the rough seas encountered, the individual must be able to move about a cluttered engine room without an unusual chance of stumbling. The individual must be relatively insensitive to vertigo.

All employees undergo rigorous fire-fighting and respiratory protection training throughout their employment. Persons with respiratory problems, or suffering from claustrophobia while wearing respirators, should keep this in mind when applying.