Mate

Bristol Wave Seafoods

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Unalaska, Alaska, US on site Until 8/22/2026 First posted March 18, 2026 Last posted March 18, 2026
Job description

The mate is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Mate's must be able to supervise and direct all aspects of longline fishing operations including deck operations, handling of gear, etc.

Working in the Bering Sea:

Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days’ travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.

Compensation, Travel & Expenses:

Payroll is crew share percentage. Crew share calculations are based on the net adjusted sales. Net sales are calculated by accounting for certain operating costs such as bait, fuel, observer expenses, etc. 40% of net sales go to the officers and crew. 

All travel for officers is arranged and paid for by the company, including flights, hotels, and meals while traveling. 

Requirements

· USCG Licensing required: 500 GT near coastal uninspected fishing vessel Mate's license (or greater).

· Ability to act as backup to vessel captain,

· Familiarity with all aspects of longline fishing required.

· Drill Instructor certification required.

· HACCP certification required.

· Administering of required random and post-accident drug screenings – specimen collector certification required.

· Ability to supervise deck operations, handling of gear, etc.

· Ability to maintain accurate records of fishing operations, offload documentation, personnel files, etc.

· Must pass pre-employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone who tests positive for THC).

· Pre-employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment).

· Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify.

Benefits

Vessel officers are eligible for healthcare benefits, subsidized by the company at 75% for both employees and dependents, including medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, voluntary life insurance, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a discretionary company contribution. Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one-month waiting period.

About this role

Summary

Supervise and assist on longline fishing vessels; oversee deck operations and record keeping

Job title

Mate

Experience level

500 GT near coastal uninspected fishing vessel license

Industry

fishing

Location requirements

Unalaska, Alaska; on-site; remote not allowed

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

USCG licensinglongline fishingdrill instructor certificationHACCP certificationspecimen collector certificationdrug screening

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

longline fishingdeck operations
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unalaska, AK, USA

On-site City