Mate (Unlimited Area)

Job role and responsibility - your expertise in health and safety, chartwork and navigation, electronic navigational aids, fish finding instruments, radio communications, fishing techniques and care of the catch, will help you to deputise for the skipper as chief watch commander of the vessel when required.

The Mate is often tasked with the responsibility for ensuring that the fishing gear operates correctly and that the catch is stored properly.

Career opportunities -

to progress to Skipper (Limited Area) and Skipper (Unlimited Area) you will need to achieve the appropriate statutory qualification which will require you to undergo further training and obtain further seagoing experience.

If you wish you can also move into related maritime industries such as the Merchant Navy, Harbour Tug Boat work, ship and boat repair, fish farming, oil/gas exploration, support/stand-by vessels, cargo operations and ferries. All of these industries recognise the expertise you have gained whilst working in the fishing sector.

Entry requirements -

you will need to have attended courses covering the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory safety training requirements in basic sea survival, first aid and fire fighting. In order to gain your Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 certificate you will need to have completed approved 'Medical First Aid', Radio Operation - Long Range Certificate and advanced firefighting courses.

These are normally included within your S/NVQ training programme. In addition, you must be physically fit with good eyesight, be aged at least 20, have sufficient and suitable experience of working on fishing vessels, and possess crew management skills with an understanding of all operational aspects of a fishing vessel

Qualifications and training opportunities -

Qualifications:
•    S/NVQ Marine Vessel Operations (Mate Fishing Unlimited) Level 3
•    Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 (endorsed for Mate in unlimited area)

National Training Programmes:
•    Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Sea Fishing