Longline Mate

About the role

Coastal Villages Longline, a subsidiary of Coastal Villages Region Fund, is seeking a Mate to operate a Freezer Longliner fishing vessel off the western coasts of Washington and Alaska. The Mate will navigate the vessel when the Captain is not on duty, supervise crew, conduct safety drills, handle reporting and paperwork, and perform a variety of deck and shipyard duties.

Responsibilities

• Safely navigate the vessel while setting and hauling gear or securing to other vessels or docks.
• Assist in supervising and disciplining the crew.
• Conduct and assist with safety drills and training.
• Manage shipyard work, including loading and unloading supplies.
• Clean the vessel and equipment and maintain a safe, clean living environment.
• Handle all reporting requirements, record maintenance, off‑load paperwork, and compliance with maritime laws.
• Perform USCG oil‑transfer procedures and related documentation.
• Participate in required safety courses (Basic & Advanced Firefighting, 24‑hour HAZWOPER, medical care provider, etc.) and company‑required training.
• Work 12–16 hour variable shifts, with occasional 24‑hour shifts as fishing and market conditions dictate.
• Other duties as assigned, including participation in drills and additional company‑required courses.

Requirements

• Current USCG license with STCW endorsements and all necessary merchant‑mariner documentation.
• Either 1 year experience as Mate of a Freezer Longliner in the Bering Sea fishery or 3 years as Mate on another Bering Sea commercial vessel.
• Minimum 2 years experience as a deckhand or bosun on a commercial fishing vessel.
• Experience with USCG oil‑transfer procedures and documentation.
• Successful completion of Basic & Advanced Firefighting, 24‑hour HAZWOPER, and other company‑required safety courses.
• Willingness and ability to be away from home for extended periods, live in a cramped environment, and work as a team member at all times.
• Strong communication skills, self‑motivation, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to pass a post‑offer background check, drug test, and reference check.
• Medical clearance for use of a tight‑fitting respirator.
• Vision requirements: peripheral, distance, depth perception, and ability to discern shades, colors, and shadows.
• Basic mental functions: intermediate math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals), English reading, speaking, and writing, and application of these skills to currency, weight, distance, and volume.

Physical Demands

• Work consecutive, long, variable shifts (12–16 hours, up to 24 hours) in adverse weather and rough seas.
• Stand, walk, and maintain balance on a moving vessel; climb ladders safely.
• Grip rope, rails, equipment, and vessel structures for extended periods; occasional forceful grasping and repetitive hand use.
• Occasionally sit, kneel, crouch, and crawl; work in small, confined spaces.
• Lift 11–20 lb frequently (from floor to waist or above shoulders) and up to 50 lb on a limited basis; push, pull, and carry similar weights.
• Exposure to operating machinery, mechanical parts, fumes, chemicals, pressurized fluids, vibration, and extreme cold.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan and health benefits upon eligibility.
• Zero‑tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
• Participation in the E‑Verify program.

Schedule

Shifts typically range from 12 to 16 hours per day with periodic breaks, depending on work demands, production requirements, fish availability, and travel schedules. Extended 24‑hour shifts may be required by fishing and market conditions.