Senior Ship Mate: Coastal & River Navigation Lead

American Cruise Lines; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Simulator-based training

Travel covered

Job summary

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. Mates are senior shipboard officers responsible for safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and representing the company as professional leaders.

Our Mates are seasoned mariners with piloting experience across coastal and river routes, and they supervise deck teams while developing expertise on navigational challenges. The role includes extensive training and opportunities to lead a crew on multi-ship itineraries.

Qualifications

• U.S. Coast Guard Mate’s license: minimum 100 GRT with Near Coastal endorsement; 1,600 GRT preferred.
• Mate experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 2 yrs, desired 5 yrs with Z-drive experience.
• Basic marine engineering knowledge of diesel machinery, hydraulics, and liquid load management.
• Excellent communication and team-building skills.
• Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
• Great Lakes Mate: route familiarization in St. Lawrence Seaway, Welland Canal, St. Mary’s River, and Lake ports.
• Ability to perform essential functions in a motion-prone environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
• Operate the vessel in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
• Supervise, lead, and develop deck officers.
• Execute vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
• Lead crew orientation, training, watch standing, and emergency drills.
• Collaborate with Hotel Officers and Service Crew to ensure five-star guest service.

Skills

Mate experience

Z-drive experience

Strong leadership

Education

U.S. Coast Guard Mate’s license

Job description

American Cruise Lines seeks experienced Mates for our U.S. flag fleet. Mates are senior shipboard officers responsible for safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and representing the company as professional leaders.

Our Mates are seasoned mariners with piloting experience across coastal and river routes, and they supervise deck teams while developing expertise on navigational challenges. The role includes extensive training and opportunities to lead a crew on multi-ship itineraries.