Chief Mate

Home Staff International — a leading international family staffing company, the only one in the world with its own network of agencies, providing services to high-profile clients in various countries.

Captain’s assistants for private and business vessels

Home Staff International selects highly qualified captain’s assistants for private vessels in the VIP fleet. Our specialists have many years of experience working on yachts and private vessels in international waters, strictly follow the VIP service standards on board, and make a key contribution to ensuring the safety of navigation and the comfort of the vessel’s owners and guests.

The Ship’s Mates Have Already BeenHired

The mate (assistant to the ship’s captain) is responsible not only for the safety of navigation and compliance with navigational regulations, but also for organising all aspects of life support on board — from monitoring supplies and the crew’s provisions to maintaining comfortable conditions and a favourable psychological atmosphere among team members.

VIP Flight Attendant

Over 7 years of experience in business aviation. Well-versed in VIP service standards, catering organization, and safety protocols.

Multilingual Flight Attendant

Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and German. Accompanied international flights for private clients and business delegations, ensuring smooth communication with passengers from different countries.

Chief Flight Attendant

Oversees crew operations and monitors compliance with safety regulations. Ensures a high level of service for business aviation passengers.

VIP Service Flight Attendant

Experienced in handling individual client requests. Provides onboard service in line with international standards.

Flight Attendant with Medical Training

Certified in first aid and aviation safety. Ensures reliability and reassurance throughout the flight.

Long-Haul Flight Attendant

Experienced in flights over 10 hours. Skilled in maintaining passenger comfort and safety during long-haul journeys.

Captain of a private sea‑going vessel

Diploma of a Master for a Seagoing Vessel of Over 3,000 Gross Tonnage. Operation of a vessel in international waters and coastal areas (the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea). Route planning and navigation, including in adverse weather conditions; ensuring the safety of the vessel, crew, and passengers (up to 12 people); monitoring the technical condition of the vessel and conducting scheduled maintenance; coordinating the crew’s work (6 people): assigning duties, training, maintaining discipline; liaising with port authorities, shore‑based services, and other vessels.

Ship captain

Ship handling in various conditions, including adverse weather, ice navigation, and operations in coastal or open waters. Experience in responding to emergency situations, such as storms, collisions, pirate attacks, and medical emergencies on board. Knowledge of the specifics of working with different types of cargo (containers, oil, bulk materials, gas, etc.) and the ability to coordinate loading and unloading operations. Experience working on vessels flying a foreign flag or participating in international voyages requires proficiency in English and knowledge of international maritime conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG, etc.).

Ship’s captain

Experience on container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, cruise liners, fishing vessels and other types of ships enhances a captain’s versatility. Experience in establishing and maintaining discipline, resolving conflicts, motivating the crew, and distributing responsibilities is essential. Interacting with port authorities, cargo owners and insurance companies requires diplomatic skills and the ability to protect the interests of the vessel and the shipowner. Experience in working with ship’s logs, reports, international and national documents is also a key part of the role.

Captain of a private passenger vessel

Has experience as a captain managing a private passenger vessel, acquired through practical work following the completion of relevant professional education. Specializes in organizing safe voyages, coordinating the crew’s work, and ensuring a high level of service for passengers. Operates the vessel in various hydrometeorological conditions, including navigating narrow straits and areas with heavy shipping traffic. Personally monitors the vessel’s position using modern navigation systems and ensures compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). Coordinates the team’s work, assigns duties, and conducts technical training sessions and briefings.

Chief Mate

Seven years of experience as a mate (officer of the watch). Route planning and course plotting using electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) and paper nautical charts. Monitoring compliance with the vessel’s schedule and adjusting the route based on weather conditions, ice conditions and navigational hazards. Monitoring the operation of navigation equipment (radar, GPS, echo sounder, gyrocompass, AIS) and promptly informing the senior command staff about any malfunctions.

Chief Mate

9 years of work experience. Standing navigational watches under the supervision of the chief officer. Carrying out the captain’s and chief officers’ instructions related to the vessel’s day‑to‑day operation. Participating in daily inspections and maintenance of navigational equipment. Assisting in cargo operations: monitoring cargo securing, preparing cargo plans.

Chief Mate

10 years of work experience. Conducting briefings and drills on emergency response procedures (fire, abandon ship, man overboard) for crew members. Maintaining ship’s documentation: logbook, equipment inspection logs, voyage reports. Participating in the development and implementation of cargo operation plans, monitoring proper loading and cargo distribution to ensure the vessel’s stability. Coordinating with port authorities, pilots and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS).

Chief Mate

8 years of work experience. Calculation of corrections for gyro and magnetic compasses, monitoring the accuracy of readings from navigation instruments. Conducting astronomical observations (if necessary) to determine the vessel’s position on the open sea. Monitoring and analysing data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to assess the risk of collision with other vessels. Maintaining records and updating electronic navigational charts (ENC) and their updates. Preparing and verifying navigational calculations for navigating through challenging areas (narrow passages, canals, areas with heavy traffic). Ensuring compliance with safe distances from navigational hazards using radar plotting tools.

Chief Mate

Home Staff International offers exclusive services for recruiting chief mate officers for demanding ship owners and fleet operators worldwide. We successfully tackle complex staffing challenges that local agencies cannot handle: we find professionals with impeccable reputations, many years of experience working on vessels of various classes, and a proven level of professional competence.

Thorough Selection of Chief Mate

The selection of candidates for the position of ship’s mate begins even before receiving an order. Each candidate undergoes a rigorous multi‑stage assessment designed to confirm their readiness to provide comprehensive support to the captain in all conditions. The assessment includes the results of an interview with a recruiter, verified experience working on vessels of the required class and tonnage, knowledge of international and national maritime regulations, navigation and safety standards, as well as emergency response procedures, and references from previous places of employment.

Experience in premium service in the water transport sector, including management of luxury‑class vessels.
Verified references from previous employers
Knowledge of international standards for maritime safety and environmental pollution prevention.
First aid and medical assistance skills
Fluency in English and other foreign languages
The competence to implement international maritime safety standards
Knowledge of VIP service protocols and etiquette
Flexibility in decision‑making under changing maritime conditions, ensuring information confidentiality onboard, and the ability to anticipate passengers’ needs to organise a comfortable and safe voyage.

Duties of the ship’s mates

The ship’s mate is responsible for the safety of the vessel, crew, passengers and cargo within the scope of their official duties, as well as for compliance with international and national navigation regulations. Their responsibilities include assisting in ensuring safe navigation, including during entry and exit from port, passage through narrow areas, sailing in areas of heavy traffic, mooring operations and other challenging conditions. In such situations, the ship’s mate must be on the bridge, follow the captain’s instructions and, if necessary, independently take actions to prevent safety threats in accordance with established rules.

Care and Safety

Ensuring compliance with all onboard safety regulations.
Conducting passenger safety briefings before the flight.
Providing emergency assistance if required.

Service and Comfort Management

Serving and attending to VIP passengers.
Organizing catering according to passenger preferences.
Creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere during the flight.

Coordination and Assistance

Coordinating with the crew to ensure top-level service.
Providing individual passenger support throughout the journey.
Handling all client requests with complete confidentiality.

Our services for staff recruitment

Permanent Staff

Selection of personnel for long-term employment, ensuring stability and trust within the family.
We carefully search for candidates who share your values, upbringing style, and meet individual requirements.
Each candidate undergoes a multi-stage selection and verification process.

Temporary Staff

The ideal solution for replacement during vacation, illness, or urgent need.
Helps to avoid unnecessary costs when there is only a short-term need for staff.
A flexible selection system allows us to quickly find a specialist who matches your conditions and schedule.

Cost of sourcing a ship’s chief mate

The agency fee is calculated as a percentage of the candidate’s average monthly or annual salary. The final amount depends on the type of contract selected, which includes different guarantee periods for staff replacement. To receive a detailed price list and a personalized quote, please contact us — we will provide the optimal solution tailored to your needs.

How we working

Introduction

We determine what the ideal staff member for your family should be — experience, education, skills, personal qualities, language knowledge, schedule, and additional preferences — and create a complete candidate profile.

Selection of Profiles

We start the search using our international staff database. We save your time — you receive a ready selection of profiles that have already passed a preliminary screening for compliance with your requirements.

Interview

We arrange meetings with the selected candidates. If necessary, we conduct additional checks: polygraph tests, medical examinations, psychologist consultations. At this stage, we determine together which specialist is best suited for your family.

Contract Signing

We agree on the start date of the staff member, finalize the most suitable type of contract with the required number and period of free replacements. Payment for our services is made, and we provide a draft contract.

Start of Work

The staff member begins their duties, and we remain in touch with you. If replacement is needed, we will promptly find a new specialist. Your personal manager is always ready to provide consultation and support.

Does the ship’s assistant captain have a probationary period?

Is a contract concluded with the ship’s assistant captain?

From which countries do you have candidates for the position of ship’s assistant captain?

Is it possible to hire a ship’s mate for a single voyage?

We will select a of ship’s mates tailored to your family's needs

We work across a wide range of areas — from sourcing nannies and governesses to drivers, gardeners, housekeepers, and estate managers. Our specialists take into account each client’s unique requirements to offer the best solutions, ensuring comfort and peace of mind in your home.

Submit a request in a way that’s convenient for you

Our services are available to clients in different countries — we will find the right specialist no matter where you are

Head office: +44 745 819 73 73
Russia: +7 926 106 04 43
USA: +1 484 460 80 90
Ukraine: +38 067 339 57 15