First Mate - San Koura Rangi

Sanford Limited; Timaru, Bluff; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanford Limited in Timaru seeks an experienced First Mate to support the safe operation of the San Koura Rangi. This independent contractor role covers bridge watchkeeping, navigation, vessel operations and crew leadership on a 5‑6 weeks on / 5‑6 weeks off rotation.

You will help ensure safety, quality and regulatory compliance onboard while contributing to continuous improvement on our modern scampi vessel.

Qualifications

• MFV certification or higher required.
• Current maritime medical certificate or ability to obtain one.
• Knowledge of NZ legislation (MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries Act/regulations) and MPI food safety.
• Experience in scampi fishery or bottom-water operations on vessels of similar size.
• Strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
• Good organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Physical and mental fitness for extended periods at sea.

Responsibilities

• Support the Skipper with the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the vessel.
• Undertake navigation and bridge watchkeeping duties, including monitoring weather and operating conditions.
• Lead and support crew to ensure work is carried out safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Support fishing operations.
• Oversee quality control and scampi packing, ensuring product standards are consistently maintained.
• Maintain accurate and organised vessel records, regulatory documentation and catch information.
• Ensure compliance with NZ requirements including MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries regulations and MPI food safety.
• Participate in and lead safety drills and help ensure vessel safety equipment and procedures are maintained.
• Foster clear communication, teamwork and a positive culture onboard.
• Support the Skipper in driving continuous improvement on our newest addition to the fleet.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

Mate Fishing Vessel (MFV) certification or higher

Job description

Sanford is looking for a First Mate to join the San Koura Rangi, our modern 32-metre, 550-tonne scampi trawler operating from Timaru.

The San Koura Rangi is the newest additions to Sanford’s scampi fleet. Purpose-built with diesel-electric technology and electric trawl winches, the vessel has been designed improve comfort for crew and reduce fuel consumption while supporting efficient and sustainable fishing operations.

Fishing voyages are up to six weeks at a time, targeting scampi around New Zealand. Catch is processed, frozen and packed at sea to maximise product quality and value before being landed into our Bluff and Timaru seafood processing sites.

About the role

As Mate, you’ll work closely with the Skipper to support the safe and efficient operation of the San Koura Rangi. This is a hands‑on leadership role covering bridge watchkeeping, navigation, vessel operations and crew leadership, while also playing an important part in maintaining high standards across scampi packing and quality control. You’ll help create a safe, productive environment onboard and ensure the vessel continues to meet Sanford’s operational, safety, regulatory and quality requirements.

This is an Independent Contractor position working a 5- 6 weeks on / 5-6 weeks off rotation. Travel to and from the vessel is covered by Sanford.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Skipper with the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of the vessel.
• Undertake navigation and bridge watchkeeping duties, including monitoring weather and operating conditions.
• Lead and support crew to ensure work is carried out safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Support fishing operations.
• Oversee quality control and scampi packing, ensuring product standards are consistently maintained.
• Maintain accurate and organised vessel records, regulatory documentation and catch information.
• Ensure compliance with relevant New Zealand requirements, including MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries regulations and MPI food safety requirements.
• Participate in and lead safety drills and help ensure vessel safety equipment and procedures are maintained.
• Foster clear communication, teamwork and a positive culture onboard.
• Support the Skipper in driving continuous improvement on our newest addition to the fleet.

About you

You’ll be an experienced maritime professional who is confident supporting both the operational and people aspects of running a busy fishing vessel. You’ll bring a practical, hands‑on approach, strong communication skills and the ability to lead by example and be comfortable working in a demanding offshore environment and understand the importance of safety, quality and teamwork at sea.

• Mate Fishing Vessel (MFV) certification or higher
• Hold a current maritime medical or the ability to obtain one
• General understanding of compliance with relevant New Zealand legislation including MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries Act/regulations and MPI food safety requirements.
• Experience in the scampi fishery and/or bottom-water operations on vessels of similar size and operational complexity.
• Strong leadership, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to contribute positively to vessel culture and onboard operations.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• The physical and mental fitness required for extended periods working at sea.

Why join the San Koura Rangi?

The San Koura Rangi represents the next generation of Sanford’s scampi fleet, combining modern fishing technology with an experienced crew and a strong focus on safety, quality and sustainability.Whether you’re an experienced Mate looking for your next vessel or ready for the next step in your deepwater fishing career, this is an opportunity to join a close‑k­nit crew on one of Sanford’s newest specialist vessels.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre‑engagement checks including a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.