A deck officer responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and crew management on a merchant vessel. The chief mate is the second-in-command and heads the deck department, while second and third mates handle specific navigational watches and safety equipment.
Heard on the job
The chief mate wants all the lashings checked before we hit the open ocean.
Insider tip
On merchant ships, 'the mate' usually refers specifically to the chief mate, not the junior officers.
Also heard as
- First officer
- Chief mate