2nd Mate - San Waitaki

Jump on board our deep-water fleet, a league of 13 fishing vessels operating year-round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our deep-sea vessels can be at sea for up to 12 weeks at a time, catching, processing, and packaging seafood onboard - delivering the finest New Zealand seafood to tables worldwide.

As the 2nd Mate on the San Waitaki, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Skipper with vessel operations, overseeing the deck crew, and contributing to bridge watchkeeping, fishing, and navigation duties. The San Waitaki is a 64-metre deep-sea trawler targeting orange roughy, smooth oreo dory, and black dory, with the flexibility to enter the arrow squid and hoki fisheries at short notice. Operating with around 30 crew, this vessel offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Mate or ambitious Qualified Fishing Deckhand (QFD) to step up and develop their leadership experience.

This is an Independent Contractor role on a trip on (6 weeks) – trip off (6 weeks) rotation. You are paid for your trip off with Sanford covering return travel from your hometown (NZ) to Timaru.

The San Waitaki is due in port on the 15th of December (subject to change).

About you :

You’ll have prior experience leading deck operations on a large factory trawler and bring a calm, capable presence to the crew. A confident communicator, you’ll know how to get the best out of others and maintain high standards of performance and safety. You thrive in challenging offshore environments, show initiative, and lead by example. A strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing is key, along with a passion for producing high-quality seafood. Physical fitness, resilience, and teamwork are essential.

What we’re looking for :

• Either a MT Fishing Vessel – Limited (MFV‑L) or NZOW (ring‑fenced) equivalent, or
• An experienced Qualified Deck Hand holding ADH‑F who is ambitious to advance.
• Hold a current maritime medical (or ability to gain one).
• Strong understanding of deck gear management, net mending, and fishing operations.
• Experience with bottom water trawl operations and vessels of similar size and complexity.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate and supervise deck crew.
• Good understanding of compliance across MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries Act, and MPI Food Safety requirements.
• A strong focus on health, safety, and wellbeing of yourself and the entire crew.

About Sanford :

Sanford offers endless opportunities, with a diverse team of over 1,500 people working across our fishing vessels and onshore operations. From Timaru to Stewart Island, and the seas surrounding Antarctica, we’re proud to deliver New Zealand’s highest-quality seafood to plates worldwide.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-engagement checks including a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.

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