1st Mate - Permanent - General (Caribbean)
First Mate, Sailing Vessel (Caribbean)
Year-round | $4,000/month + room and board | Trinidad to St. Maarten
Do you want to use your license to do work that matters? Whatever It Takes Expeditions is hiring a First Mate for our 100' school ship, where high school students sail the Windward and Leeward Islands on a rite of passage expedition.
This is a hands-on role. You will keep the vessel running, and you will teach, coach, and mentor students every day. You will lead shore activities, supervise students, teach coursework, and manage student apprentices, alongside your duties as a mate.
The Vessel
100' Giorgetti & Magrini ketch-rigged sailing yacht
Accommodations for 12 students and 6 staff
Staff cabins are separate from student quarters, with shared cabins and a shared bathroom
The Schedule
Year-round position
Students are aboard 30 to 35 weeks per year
During expeditions: 7-day work week, with days off in port when available
Between expeditions: standard 5-day work week, with the First Mate keeping the vessel manned (typically at anchor)
The vessel may be chartered during off weeks
No operations over the Christmas holidays
20 days PTO
Reporting
You report to the Fleet Manager and work day-to-day with rotational Captains.
Responsibilities
Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance on all systems
Lead the Engineering Department
Diagnose and repair systems as needed
Stand watch and support the Captain in safe navigation and vessel operation
Follow and uphold program Standard Operating Procedures at all times
Build strong bonds with each student through 1:1 and group time
Build teamwork among students and staff
Teach coursework and manage student apprentices
Lead shore-side activities and supervise students
Join service learning projects and all youth programming
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Commercial Master or Mate license accepted by the vessel's flag. Examples of qualifying licenses:
USCG 50-Ton Master or higher
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (commercially endorsed) or higher
IYT Master of Yachts 200 or higher
MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts <500GT) or higher
Equivalent national or flag-state commercial license
2+ years as Captain, Master, or Mate of a sailing vessel
STCW Basic Safety Training
Current First Aid and CPR (STCW Elementary First Aid or equivalent)
Lifeguard certification (RLSS, Red Cross, or equivalent)
Valid seafarer medical certificate (ENG1, ML5, or equivalent)
Valid passport
Working knowledge of yacht systems, with the ability to learn the rest fast
Empathy for the life experiences of the youth Whatever It Takes Expeditions serves
A real passion for mentoring and coaching
Not sure if your license qualifies? Apply anyway and tell us what you hold. We will confirm whether it is accepted for the vessel.
Compensation and Benefits
$4,000 per month
Room and board
20 days PTO (accrues, usable after 90 days)
$1,500 flight budget for PTO travel (home port or vacation destination)
Additional pay for private charters
International health insurance
Work cell phone with international plan
Close