Chief Mate: Expedition Vessel Navigator & Leader

Lindblad-Expeditions; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance including Medical, US

401(k) plan with employer match

Room and board when scheduled

Travel Day Pay

Travel Expenses Paid

Travel benefits for employees and affili

Uniforms Provided

Training Opportunities

Job summary

Lindblad Expeditions seeks a Chief Mate to supervise and train the deck crew, assist with piloting, navigation, safety, and small boat operations aboard one of our expedition vessels. You will oversee watch duties, docking, and guest interactions while ensuring ISM/ISPS and USCG compliance.

The role requires extensive maritime experience, strong leadership and crisis management skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks under demanding schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience operating port-to-port in Southeast Alaska, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, and beyond.
• Mate experience on passenger-carrying vessels, including supervisory responsibility and social interaction with guests.
• Excellent crisis management skills; ability to act quickly with confidence while exercising sound judgement.
• Ability to perform voyage planning and navigational calculations.
• Strong time management skills; able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Good customer service skills: professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Assumes command of the ship when the Captain is incapacitated.
• Acts as Security Officer, Safety Officer, and Medical Officer.
• Inspects the vessel for cleanliness and upkeep.
• Prepares vessel for USCG inspections and annual dry docks.
• Assists with USCG COI inspections and drug/alcohol testing.
• Trains deck force in docking, anchoring, watch duties, and ship maintenance.
• Directs deck communications during docking procedures.
• Supervises deckhands and Boatswain, and reviews duty lists.
• Evaluates deck performance per appraisal guidelines.

Skills

Crisis management

Time management

Customer service

Leadership

Communication

Education

USCG Mate 500 GRT / 3,000 GT ITC Near Coastal

OICNW >500 GT STCW Endorsement

STCW Advanced Firefighting

STCW Basic Safety Training

STCW Medical Person in Charge

STCW Vessel Security Officer

STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft

STCW Crowd Management

ECDIS training

GMDSS required

TWIC card

US Passport

Tools

MS Windows

Excel

Job description

Lindblad Expeditions seeks a Chief Mate to supervise and train the deck crew, assist with piloting, navigation, safety, and small boat operations aboard one of our expedition vessels. You will oversee watch duties, docking, and guest interactions while ensuring ISM/ISPS and USCG compliance.

The role requires extensive maritime experience, strong leadership and crisis management skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks under demanding schedules.