Commercial fishing training courses | Seafish
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Commercial fishing training courses

We support training for people working in the fishing industry. Find a course that suits you.

Some safety training courses are mandatory and must be completed before going to sea by law. 

It’s also important for anyone working on a fishing vessel to complete other voluntary courses to keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

Mandatory training

Basic safety training

Everyone working on a UK-registered commercial fishing vessel must complete training in:

  1. 1-day Basic Sea Survival1
  2. 1-day Basic Fire Fighting2
  3. 1-day Basic First Aid2
  4. 1-day Basic Health and Safety2
  5. 1-day Safety Awareness3

1Basic Sea Survival must be completed before starting work.

2Basic Fire Fighting, Basic First Aid and Basic Health & Safety must be completed within three months of starting work.

3Safety Awareness must be completed by experienced fishermen – those who have been working for two or more years. New entrants can undertake this course after they have been working for a minimum of six months

Seafish has developed training courses covering these five subjects, which are delivered by its network of Approved Training Providers.

The regulations require fishers to hold Seafish certificates certifying completion of basic safety training. However, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency will accept certain other certificates as equivalent for satisfying some of these requirements. Access the Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 411 documentation for details.

A group of men with flotation devices are floating on their backs in a swimming pool.
Sea survival training takes place in swimming pools

Certificates of Competency

Skippers and mates working on fishing vessels of 16.5m and above are required to hold a Deck Officer Certificate of Competency at either Class 1, 2 or 3, issued by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Engineers working on fishing vessels with propulsive power of 750kw or more are required to hold an Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency at either Class 1 or 2, issued by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Access the Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 411 documentation for details.

Voluntary training

Seafish has developed a range of voluntary training courses, which can lead to the award of a Seafish Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate as follows:

Seafish Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate (Restricted)

For use within 20 miles of a safe haven

  • 2-day Seafish Bridge Watchkeeping (or equivalent)
  • 2-day Seafish Engineroom Watchkeeping (or equivalent)
  • 1-day Seafish Stability Awareness for Experienced Fishermen
  • 1-day Seafish Advanced Stability Awareness
  • 1 day RYA GMDSS Short Range (Radio Operator) Certificate
A fishing safety advisor is talking to a group of men in a classroom
Classroom training for fishermen

Seafish Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificate (Unrestricted)

For use beyond 20 miles of a safe haven

  • 5-day Seafish Bridge Watchkeeping (or equivalent)
  • 5-day MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC1)
  • 1-day Seafish Stability Awareness for Experienced Fishermen
  • 1-day Seafish Advanced Stability Awareness
  • 1-day RYA GMDSS Short Range (Radio Operator) Certificate

Seafish Under 16.5m Skipper’s Certificates are recognised by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency for use on Small Commercial Vessels – Access the Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 411 documentation for details.

Trawl gear technology training

The Sintef Flume Tank at the North Sea Centre in Hirtshals, Denmark offers practical trawl gear technology training. This gives fishermen a chance to complete training without being subjected to the dangers of the sea and offers a unique insight into the way gear reacts to different conditions.

Seafish can support fishermen wishing to undergo trawl gear technology training in Denmark by funding travel between the UK and Hirtshals, as well as covering the costs of hiring the Flume Tank and overnight accommodation for fishermen and UK trainers. To find out more, please contact David Warwick, Fishing Gear Innovation Manager, email david.warwick@seafish.co.uk or call 07876 035 721.

Training for new entrants to the fishing industry

Information on apprenticeships and courses for individuals looking to begin a career in fishing:

Further information

Get in touch

Contact one of our training advisors by emailing Training@seafish.co.uk or call 0131 380 4504 and select option 1 for the Training team.

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