Fishing Career Paths

This page explains the variety of roles needed on a fishing vessel in order to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Deckhands, are responsible for day-to-day tasks such as equipment preparation, operation and repair, cleaning chores, cooking, and gutting and storing fish.
  • Mates and Skippers manage and supervise the vessel's crew and are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. Many skippers will also share some deckhand duties, particularly on smaller vessels.
  • Engineers are responsible for maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment on the vessel, which includes propulsion equipment, steering equipment, and board pumping equipment.

It is possible to learn on the job and undertake training in order to progress to mate, skipper and engineer roles, though most new entrant fishermen will start out in trainee deckhand roles.

Find out further information on training for fisherman

Further info

More information about maritime careers, qualifications and learning pathways can be read at the Maritime Skills Alliance website.

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