First Mate

[MajorLeagueFisherman]

Anybody know what the minimum age to be a first mate on a Charter boat would be? Or what the requirements would be?

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[Capt Vince Pierleoni]

There is no one answer to this. When the mate is a son or grandson, sometimes they start very young. Otherwise generally not younger than 16. Requirements are energetic, eager to learn, ability to get along with a myriad of different personalities, reliable, safety minded, capable of taking instruction, capable of handling constructive criticism. Sense of humor ius very handy.

[MajorLeagueFisherman]

Thanks for the reply I asked wasn't sure about insurance or anything like that?

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[Capt Vince Pierleoni]

Depends on the operation you are potentially working for. Most legit Captains carry insurance that covers one crew member.

There are MANY illegal operations, so be sure any potential operator you work with has an updated license and crew and liability insurance.

[MajorLeagueFisherman]

Thanks a lot for the information. I asked because I am only 17 but have fished Lake Ontario since I was little and have a 21ft boat of my own. I needed to know if it was possible to be a mate; lookin for a job on a Charter this summer.

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[Capt Vince Pierleoni]

I figured that was the case. Well, start by telling the forum where you are located and how far you are willing to travel. If you dont hear from anyone, walk the docks and introduce yourself to as many operators as you can. No one will consider even a teaching gig without meeting you in person. Good luck!  

[MajorLeagueFisherman]

Thanks for the advice!

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[Frogger]

Just wanted to add and you may already have it but you might want confirm the boaters certificate when operating a vessel. I'm thinking a captain might want you to have that especially if you have your own. You can do a quick search on nys boating regs to help you out.

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[baitrigger]

How cool would it be, at 17, to land a gig riding around on a nice high class viking.

[mostlymuskies]

The one thing is that you will need your parents to sign off for your pre-employment drug test for random drug testing program and if you get called to take a drug test before turning 18 they would need to sign off again.I do not know where you live, but a few charter Captian's out of Barcelona Harbor & Dunkirk Harbor are looking for help every summer.As the Pres. of E.L.E.C.B.A. I will most likely get asked in May again this year if I know of anyone.Send me a private email with contact info and I will find out for you what is available after I come back from Guyana South America in early March, leaving to there next week to guide in the rain forest.

Edited January 18, 2015 by mostlymuskies

[MajorLeagueFisherman]

I actually live in vermont in the winter and fish all summer I have a Vermonters boating liscense to operate a vessel if that counts? I'm located out of New Haven Ny but am able to travel some

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[Frogger]

Im not that familiar to know but like others have said your on a great site with many members that are truly helpful and might have the answers, I think your reaching out to the right crowd.  Good luck in your search. 

[MajorLeagueFisherman]

Thanks

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[ReelPower]

Good luck consider guiding in Alaska for a summer, I got in up there at 18 with a fishy resume.