Become a Mate on a Luxury Yacht

If you're considering becoming a mate on a yacht then you will need to work up to this position. It is not one you can land without first having some experience as well as meeting specific requirements. There are three levels of mate or officer, first mate or officer, second mate or officer, and third mate or officer. Each has its own set of requirements that you will need to fulfill. These are defined by the U.S. Coast Guard or Maritime Coast Guard Agency of the U.K. Once you've worked your way up to the level of mate, you perform work directly for the captain and supervise other crew members.

Here are some of the basic responsibilities of all levels of mates on a yacht:

• Supervise deck and engineering crew members.
• Create and execute required drills for crew members.
• Ensure that all equipment onboard the ship is being properly maintained and is in working order.
• Provide training to passengers on the equipment that they will use while onboard.
• Stand in for the captain, performing all of the captain's duties, as needed.
• Act as host to the passengers and answer their questions.
• Supervise docking and anchoring operations.

As a mate you are in a position of authority and responsibility. Since the yacht crew members may not feel comfortable going to the captain when they have a problem, you may find that you deal with the crew members and their problems more often than the captain. You may also work more with the passengers. More detailed information about this position is provided when you become a member of CruiseJobFinder.

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Qualifications Required for Yacht Mates

One of the primary qualities yacht mates need to possess is the ability to work well with people. Mates often serve as a "go-between" between the captain and the crew. The mate must be able to address crew members' concerns without undermining the captain's authority or making the crew members feel like the mate is "snitching." It requires tact and diplomacy.

The first mate or other mates will also need to have extensive knowledge of yachting rules and regulations, navigational methods, and safety requirements. It is usually the first mate who is responsible for ensuring that the ship meets all safety regulations and is adhering to them.

More Information you Should Know

If your goal is to become a mate, then you need to learn a lot more. You need to know what kind of training to receive, what kind of examinations are required, how to move from one level to the next, and how many years of experience you'll need to have. When you become a member of CruiseJobFinder you'll have access to this information plus much more. As a member, you'll learn all of the requirements needed to become a mate, as well as basic salary information and interviews with current yachting industry personnel and leaders. We also provide you with yachting industry job postings and resume and interviewing tips that can increase your chances of getting a job as a mate.