The most junior certificated deck officer, typically responsible for maintaining fire-fighting and life-saving appliances.
Quick facts
Sea-time required
12 months of approved sea service
In practice
A newly certificated third mate will have completed the requirements of STCW chapter II as a cadet — typically 12 months of approved sea service — and will hold the mandatory basic safety training certificates under STCW VI/1, along with advanced fire fighting (VI/3), medical first aid (VI/4 table A-VI/4-1), and proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (VI/2). Under the ISM Code the third mate must participate in drills and familiarise themselves with the SMS procedures applicable to their duties. The posting is considered a formative career stage in which management and watchkeeping skills are consolidated under senior officers' supervision.
Regulatory detail & full definition
The third mate is the most junior certificated deck officer aboard a conventionally manned vessel, holding a Certificate of Competency as Officer of the Watch (navigation) at the operational level under STCW II/1. They typically stand the 8–12 watch on the bridge and contribute to cargo watches. The third mate is almost universally assigned as the ship's fire and safety officer, responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and inventory of all fire-fighting equipment: fire extinguishers, fire hoses, SCBA sets, CO₂ and fixed gas suppression system logs, and fire detection panel testing.
A newly certificated third mate will have completed the requirements of STCW chapter II as a cadet — typically 12 months of approved sea service — and will hold the mandatory basic safety training certificates under STCW VI/1, along with advanced fire fighting (VI/3), medical first aid (VI/4 table A-VI/4-1), and proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (VI/2). Under the ISM Code the third mate must participate in drills and familiarise themselves with the SMS procedures applicable to their duties. The posting is considered a formative career stage in which management and watchkeeping skills are consolidated under senior officers' supervision.