Trainee (Fishermen)

Job role and responsibility - you must attend approved basic safety training before you go to sea where you will operate as part of a team working mainly on the deck, but possibly also helping out in the engine room when required.

You will also have responsibility for your own and other crew members' health and safety.

Career opportunities -

you can decide which direction you wish your career to take once you have become a competent deckhand. You have the choice to follow either an engineering route or take the deck officer career path.

Entry requirements -

all new entrants must attend courses covering the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory safety training requirements in basic sea survival, first aid, fire fighting and basic health and safety. In addition, you must be physically fit, have good eyesight and be able to communicate and work well with others.

Qualifications and training opportunities -

MCA Approved Basic Safety Training:
•    Sea Survival
•    First Aid
•    Fire Fighting
•    Health and Safety for Fishermen

You can enrol on a Scottish/National Vocational Qualification (S/NVQ) programme, usually under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, which will enable you to achieve a VQ Level 2 qualification, a Foundation Modern Apprenticeship certificate and possibly other certificates such as key/core skills, radio operation and food hygiene along the way. If you stay on the Modern Apprenticeship programme for the full term you are likely to achieve a VQ Level 3 qualification and the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship certificate. In Wales, the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship is referred to as a National Traineeship.