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Third Mate - National Geographic Sea Lion & National Geographic Sea Bird

Lindblad Expeditions
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 29 May 2026

About the role

WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Third Mate is responsible for managing crew and staff familiarization and participation in the ISM Safety Management System, as well as assisting with the vessel's piloting, navigation, safety and small boat operations.  Third Mate is responsible for the care and maintenance of the kayaks and all related gear.  
 

LIVING CONDITIONS 

Crew quarters are compact and shared — you will bunk with one or two roommates for the full duration of your rotation, with minimal personal space. The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell service and internet may be unavailable for extended periods. You must bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications, as refills cannot be obtained while underway.

This lifestyle suits people who are adaptable, self-sufficient, and genuinely energized by close-knit team environments and remote travel. If those conditions sound like a challenge rather than an adventure, this may not be the right fit. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

This is a physically demanding role performed in a moving marine environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb steep interior stairs repeatedly throughout a 12-hour shift — including during periods of significant vessel motion. The employee must regularly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Work rotates continuously across cabin cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, and food service, often without extended breaks. Work is performed in confined spaces and high-humidity environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Watch Duty

  • Stands bridge navigation and deck watch during assigned periods.
  • Determines the vessel's geographical position using GPS, radar, visual observations, depth sounders, and other available means.
  • Maintains accurate entries in navigation and radio logs.
  • Assists with docking, anchoring, and piloting in close-quarters and open-sea conditions as directed by the Captain.
  • Navigates to avoid marine hazards — reefs, shoals, shallow waters — using aids to navigation including lights, lighthouses, and buoys.
  • Completes pilotage logs for Alaska, British Columbia, and Columbia/Snake River transits to meet pilotage requirements and qualify for unsupervised watch.
  • Safety & Security

  • Participates in all onboard safety training, meetings, and drills, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, security, medical emergency, and kayak recovery exercises.
  • Attends shore-side training as required by the company.
  • Conducts kayak safety briefings for guests.
  • Performs and relieves gangway watch per the duty schedule.
  • Maintains working knowledge of ISM and ISPS Code requirements.
  • Upholds all responsibilities under the company Safety Management System, including Emergency Response activities.
  • Conducts and documents Safety Familiarization tours for crew and staff.
  • Small Boat Operations

  • Operates inflatable boats as needed.
  • Assists guests, staff, and crew with boarding and disembarking inflatable boats.
  • Oversees routine upkeep and maintenance of kayaks and associated equipment.
  • Administrative

  • Serves as the shipboard Waste Management and Pest Management Officer.
  • Manages the Integrated Pest Management Plan in compliance with CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) requirements.
  • Maintains the ship's Safety Data Sheet inventory.
  • Ensures all crew have access to the SMS and its document library.

What We Offer

  • Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  
  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Travel Day Pay
  • Travel Expenses Paid
  • Uniforms Provided
QUALIFICATIONS   
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill a

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Company

Lindblad Expeditions

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