Chief Mate

Chief Mate / Chief Officer — deck-department head, deputy Master. Runs cargo operations and deck maintenance.

Route: CoC Chief Mate (STCW II/2). After OOW, time as Second/Chief Officer and exams.
Watches: On cargo ships typically 4–8 watch. On passenger/cruise often a shared bridge team.
Progression: Chief Mate general trade → Chief Mate tanker (Advanced Oil/Chem/LG) → Master promotion

Certifications

Discussion

Published ranges

Vessel	Region	Low	Median	High	Year	Source
VLCC	Global	$9,500	$11,000	$12,500	2025	Industry wage surveys

Wages are a floor, not a ceiling. Union CBAs, tanker/LNG/cruise differentials, and seniority-based bonuses routinely push above these numbers. Verify with ITF or your union before signing.

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