Ahoy! See if you have the skills to be a ship's first mate

You enjoy the salty smell and the vast openness of the ocean. Why not consider a job as a first mate?

If life on the open seas has ever piqued your interest, this type of water vessel job may be your calling.

Check out the information about the industry below.

Daily tasks

Also called a deck officer, first mates act as a captain's second in command. On larger ships that employ second and third mates, first mates are typically responsible for cargo or passengers. On smaller ships, first mates will also be responsible for navigation and safety.

Working conditions

First mates can expect long periods away from home, especially if working on deep sea vessels. Smaller vessels that work on rivers are usually away from port for a couple of weeks to as long as a couple of months at a time. Shifts are long as they work every day they are on the vessel.

Entering the industry

Deck officers or mates are expected to have a bachelor's degree from a merchant marine academy in order to be hired. Mates can also attain their position after at least three to four years of experience as a member of a deck crew on smaller ships. Important qualities to have include mechanical skills, strong hand-eye coordination and excellent balance.

Pay day

All ship mates earn an average annual salary of $69,000, according to PayScale.com. The salary range is anywhere from $29,000 to $110,000.

Hiring forecast

Job opportunities for first mates is projected to grow 14% through 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Most vacancies are expected to be on inland rivers and the Great Lakes.

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