Chief Mate Oceans - Seattle, WA

Foss; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life insurance

401k with 4% match

Travel paid for upfront by Foss

EAP and flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Foss Maritime is seeking a Chief Mate to support safe and reliable maritime services from port to port. You will collaborate with a dedicated team and uphold Foss SMS/ISM/VMS standards while focusing on safety and continuous improvement.

Role requires active USCG credentials, TWIC, and at least two years of deck experience. We offer a $800/day wage with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with 4% match, and travel coverage.

Qualifications

• Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Document or equivalent (minimum USCG 1600 GT Mate Oceans)
• TWIC, Passport & USCG Medical Certificate required
• Minimum of two years vessel experience as a Deckhand or licensed deck officer

Responsibilities

• Assist captain with towing, docking, and unloading barges and vessels.
• Steer, operate, push, and pull barges to destinations or berths.
• Monitor water depth and weather while towing; manage tow wire and navigational safety.
• Operate winches, engines, generators and shipboard electrical systems; manage wheelhouse electronics.
• Analyze jobs to determine best equipment and plan.
• Maintain vessel documents using onboard platforms (Helm).
• Record hours worked for crew members and ensure safety procedures.

Skills

USCG credential

TWIC

Maritime experience

Job description

UP TO $5K SIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLE

About Foss Maritime

Foss Maritime is one of the most recognized and respected maritime brands in the U.S., combining a rich legacy with a forward-thinking approach to industry innovation. While deeply rooted in tradition, Foss is evolving at a fast pace, continuously setting new standards for operational excellence and sustainability.

With operations spanning all U.S. coasts and global transportation projects, Foss is a leader in Harbor and terminal towage, tug and barge transportation, and offshore energy solutions, including traditional energy and offshore wind projects. Our primary operations are on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

As part of the Saltchuk family of companies, Foss is a values-driven organization that takes pride in its exceptional team, commitment to safety, and dedication to customer success. With a culture built on integrity, innovation, and collaboration, Foss Maritime remains a trusted leader in the maritime industry.

About the Role

As Chief Mate, you'll be an essential part of our mission to provide safe and reliable maritime services. You'll work alongside a dedicated team that values professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Assist the captain with towing, docking, and unloading barges and other vessels, from port to port.
• Steer, operate, push, and pull barges as directed by the captain to its perspective destinations and/or berths.
• While towing, monitor water depth, weather, surging and other traffic, keeping the tow wire, which at times is at great length, clear of the bottom, navigational aids, and other vessels.
• Directly operate winches, engines, generators and electrical systems along with wheelhouse navigational electronics and devices.
• Analyze each job to determine what equipment is best suited to handle the job.
• Utilize platforms onboard to maintain vessel documents (Helm).
• Enter hours worked for crew members
• Follow proper procedures when handling emergency situations.
• Assist with inspection of Tugs; ensure compliance and learning the Foss SMS/ ISM/VMS.
• Responsible for the safety of the vessel and crew while docked, as well as for the safe movement and navigation of the vessel and their tows while underway.

What We're Looking For

• Valid USCG Merchant Mariner Document or Merchant Mariner Credential (minimum USCG 1600 GT Mate upon Oceans License with Mate of Towing Vessels upon Oceans and STCW).
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), Passport & USCG issued Medical Certificate.
• Minimum of two years vessel experience as a Deckhand, Deckhand/Engineer or licensed deck officer experience.

What We Offer

• Pay for this position is $800 per day. The estimated annual compensation is $146,000, based on an even-time schedule of 182.5 working days per year.
• The benefit program includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Life insurance equal to two times annual base salary.
• Accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Long term disability insurance.
• 401k program with a 4% match, vested immediately.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Travel -- paid for upfront by Foss (including any flights, hotels, rentals, meals during travel.)
• Other voluntary benefits are available for purchase via payroll deduction at group rates.
• All other benefits as required by law

Drug Free Workplace

Foss Maritime Company LLC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Foss Maritime Company LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.