The information below is not a definative guide. It's a rough guide to what skills and experience is needed. The salaries mentioned are not set in stone they are only approximations. The higher salaries relate to the more experienced and qualified crewmembers.

		Qualifications Needed

• 1 st Officer/Mate License (appropriate to size and flag of vessel)
• Relevant training completed and proof of certificates, applicable if licensed.
• Work history and references.
• Good personnel management skills and ability to delegate crew duties.
• Previous experience working as a deckhand on yachts.
• Must have very good watch keeping abilities - If unlicensed an OOW certificate is preferred.

		Summary

• The position of first officer/first mate varies depending upon the vessel size. On large superyachts and large sailing yachts, the Captain will need a first officer/first mate to assume the role of second in command; this includes managing the deck crew and vessel maintenance.
• Your first responsibility is the safety of all on board.
• Responsible for the upkeep of onboard publications and charts
• You are responsible for the safe loading and discharging of the vessel
• Responsible for some administration and safety duties on board.
• Generally you are the designated Medical Officer and the designated GMDSS operator
• One of the most important roles will be discipline of crew. 1 st officer/1 st mate make sure that the vessels rules are abided by and the Captain's orders are understood and followed.
• You would be expected to navigate the vessel and take the leading watch when the Captain requires it.
• On smaller yachts, where the position may be classified as 2 nd Mate, Mate/Deckhand or Mate/Engineer, the individual may be training to become licensed, but needs to amass more sea miles and experience.
• On medium sized vessels it is common for the Officers/Mates to be unlicensed, but to be experienced on yachts. For experienced Deckhands the Mate's position is the next step up the yachting ladder. They may be working to obtain relevant licenses.
• The position requires someone who is diplomatic and can work well with all crew and train new crew as needed.

		1 st Officer/1 st Mate Salary Guidelines and Vessel Sizes

1 st Officer / 1 st Mate (Licensed)
150 ft to 250 ft plus
$3,500 - $6,000 + (Approx. per month).
3 years experience as 1st Officer or Captain on smaller vessels

1 st Officer / 1 st Mate (Licensed)
100 ft to 160 ft
$3,000 - $5,000 + (Approx. per month).
2 years experience as Mate or Captain on smaller vessels.

1 st Mate (License preferred)
150 ft to 250 ft plus
$3,000 - $4,500+ (Approx. per month).
3 years experience as Mate or Captain on smaller vessels

1 st Mate (License preferred)
100 ft to 160 ft
$2,500 - $3,500+ (Approx. per month)
1 years experience as Mate or Captain on smaller vessels