A professional who supervises and coordinates activities of crew aboard ship. Responsibilities include:

• Inspects holds of ship during loading to ensure that cargo is stowed according to specifications.
• Examines cargo-handling gear and lifesaving equipment and orders crew to repair or replace defective gear and equipment.
• Supervises crew engaged in cleaning and maintaining decks, superstructure, and bridge of ship.
• Stands watch during specified periods and determines geographical position of ship, upon request of master, ship, using loran and azimuths of celestial bodies.
• Assumes command of ship in event master, ship becomes incapacitated.
• May be required to hold license issued by U.S.
• Coast Guard, depending on waters navigated and tonnage of ship.
• When more than one mate, ship is required, may be designated Mate, Chief (usually on vessels inspected by U.S.
• Coast Guard); Mate, First (usually on uninspected vessels); Mate, Fourth; Mate, Second; Mate, Third.
• May remain in port to relieve another ally on ve who desires to go ashore while ship is in port and be designated Mate, Relief.