Skipper (Limited Area)

Job role and responsibility - you are responsible for all aspects of health and safety, crew and vessel management. This includes - supervising the operation of the fishing gear; vessel navigation; deciding on the method of fishing and the area of operation; management of business arrangement with merchants, vessel owners and agents; accurately maintaining all ship records and catch logs.

You may be skipper / owner of your own vessel or engaged to act as skipper by the vessel's owner(s).

Career opportunities -

you may decide to become a fishing vessel owner or seek to become Skipper (Unlimited area) after achieving the appropriate statutory qualification. 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 operationsand ferries. All of these industries recognise the expertise you have gained whilst working in the fishing sector.

Entry requirements -

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, Electronic Navigation Systems 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. You will also need to be knowledgeable in fishing as well as experienced in seamanship, electronics, engineering and meteorology and have a sound business head to ensure the best returns from catches.

Qualifications and training opportunities -

Qualifications:
•    S/NVQ Marine Vessel Operations (Skipper Fishing Limited) Level 4
•    Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2