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Mate education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, mates don't need a college education. The most common degree for mates is bachelor's degree with 52% graduates, with only 20% mate graduates earning high school diploma. Mates who decided to graduate from college often finish Massachusetts Maritime Academy or United States Merchant Marine Academy. Some good skills to have in this position include safety equipment, vessel maintenance and mates.

Popular mate certifications include GMDSS Radio Operator (DO), National 2nd Mate Unlimited OC or NC, or OSHA Safety Certificate . To improve mate qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in mate education paths.

What education do you need to become a mate?

What degree do you need to be a mate?

The most common degree for mates is bachelor's degree, with 52% of mates earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are high school diploma degree at 20% and high school diploma degree at 13%.
  • Bachelor's, 52%
  • High School Diploma, 20%
  • Associate, 13%
  • Master's, 6%
  • Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a mate?

You should major in business to become a mate. 21% of mates major in business. Other common majors for a mate include marine transportation and computer science.

Best majors for mates

RankMajorPercentages
1Business20.9%
2Marine Transportation15.6%
3Computer Science5.2%
4General Studies5.2%
5Psychology4.9%

20 best online courses for mates

Advertising disclosure

1. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning

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4. OSHA Safety Training: Conducting Safety Meetings

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5. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY

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Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...

6. Fun food safety and sanitation course

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The food safety course will help prepare you for safely working in a kitchen and food handler tests like Servesafe...

7. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert

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Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...

8. OSHA Safety Pro: Personal Protective Equipment

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Impress management or get that job with you your ability to display life and dollar saving work place safety practices...

9. Occupational Health & Safety Training

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Workplace Health and Safety Course For Employees & Managers...

10. Basic Fire Safety Awareness

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Basic Fire Safety Awareness - Your Gateway towards Career in Fire Safety...

11. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2

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12. NEBOSH health and safety Management System

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13. Food Safety for Managers and Supervisors

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15. OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics

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A quick yet detailed certification in OSHA safety with a focus on Trenching, Excavation, & Soil Mechanics...

16. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system

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Upgrate your health and safety career by understanding the requriements for an OH & S management system from ISO 45001...

17. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

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Learn the requirements and standards associated with OSHA and workplace safety. Safety best practices for the workplace...

18. Refresher course of Safety Management Systems

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19. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.

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OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...

20. Maintenance Planning Basics

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Understanding maintenance planning basics of successful maintenance department...

Average mate salary by education level

Mates with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $44,960 annually. With a Associate degree, mates earn a median annual income of $37,376 compared to $35,531 for mates with an High School Diploma degree.
Mate education levelMate salary
High School Diploma or Less$35,531
Bachelor's Degree$44,960
Some College/ Associate Degree$37,376

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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