Second Mate

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Second Mate with Lindblad Expeditions, you're far more than a watchstander—you're a key part of the navigational team guiding guests safely through some of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth. From plotting the safest course through narrow coastal waterways to navigating open-sea passages, you'll combine sharp technical skill with sound judgment to keep the ship, crew, and guests moving safely toward the next great discovery. Beyond the bridge, you'll drive Zodiacs, help train and mentor crew, and ensure the vessel's navigation and safety systems are always ready for whatever the expedition brings.

This position is ideal for a licensed mariner who thrives on responsibility, enjoys the technical challenge of navigation and voyage planning, and wants their work to directly shape an unforgettable guest experience. You'll serve as a vital link on the bridge team aboard one of our U.S.-flagged vessels, where precision, safety, and calm decision-making under pressure are always top priorities. If you're ready to put your maritime license to work in some of the world's most extraordinary waters, we'd love to have you aboard.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Second Mate works approximately 12 hours per day of varied hours, on an approximately 6 weeks on/6 weeks off rotational schedule. Daily 12-hour shifts are comprised of standing two watches, administrative work, and small boat operations.

Watch Duty

Watch Duty

• Performs bridge navigation and deck watch during specified periods; determines the ship's geographical position using all available means, including GPS, radar ranges, visual observations, and depth sounders.
• Makes necessary entries in navigation and radio logs.
• Handles the vessel, as directed by the Captain, in docking, anchoring, piloting, en route travel, close-quarters maneuvering, and open sea conditions.
• Navigates to avoid marine hazards such as reefs, outlying shoals, and shallow waters, using aids to navigation such as lights, lighthouses, and buoys.

Safety & Security

• Participates in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies.
• Participates in shoreside training as required by the company.
• Relieves and/or performs gangway watch as directed by the duty schedule.
• Maintains familiarity with the ISM Code and its requirements.
• Maintains familiarity with all duties under the company's Safety Management System, including Emergency Response activities.

Small Boat Operations

• Drives inflatable boats as necessary.
• Assists with loading guests, staff, and crew in and out of inflatable boats.

Administrative

• Maintains navigation bridge supply inventories and requisitions.
• Performs chart and publication corrections, and maintains the vessel's chart inventory using U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard Notices to Mariners.
• Calculates and posts daily sunrise/sunset times and tide and current information.
• Creates the Voyage Plan waypoint spreadsheet for the Captain's review and approval, and enters voyage itinerary waypoints into GPS.
• Creates and maintains the New Hire Checklist, ensuring each Training Officer is aware of completion deadlines for employee training.
• Creates Training Completion Certificates for all shipboard training and sends them to the Seattle Office.
• Maintains electronic copies of all external and shipboard training certificates for each crew member onboard.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Licenses/Certificates