First Mate
/ˈfɜrst meɪt/
Definitions
- (n.) The officer second in command aboard a merchant vessel responsible for ship operations and crew management under the captain.
The first mate supervised the crew during the cargo loading.
Forms
- first mates
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term typically appears in maritime and admiralty contexts, denoting a key shipboard officer role subordinate only to the captain.
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