Fishing boat deckhand

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• training through a professional body

College

You may be able to do a course in maritime studies at a fishing industry training college. Once complete, you could apply for work as a trainee deckhand on a fishing vessel.

On a course, you'll learn:

• deck, ropes and fishing gear operation
• how to store a catch
• basic navigation skills
• vessel maintenance

You'll also get training in sea safety and first aid.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Fisher Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship can take up to 2 years to complete.

It combines training at sea with onshore study at a college or learning provider.

You could also apply for a place on a Ship's Master Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to train to become a skipper. This apprenticeship takes around 4 years.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Direct Application

If you have experience of working or training on ships or boats, and the correct safety certificates, you may be able to find work. You could contact vessel skippers directly or fishing crew agencies, and train on the job.

Other Routes

You may be able to do the Introduction to Commercial Fishing course , which is backed by Seafish, who support the UK's fishing industry.

The course is for anyone looking to work on a commercial vessel. It covers basic industry skills and knowledge, along with 4 mandatory training units that you'll need to work onboard a boat:

• sea survival
• fire fighting
• health and safety
• first aid

More Information

Career Tips

You'll need to be willing to move if necessary, as approved training centres are located near to established fishing ports around the country.

Further Information

You can find more information about careers in the fishing industry from Seafish.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of food production methods
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 16 years of age
• have a good level of fitness
• complete basic sea safety training – STCW – at a centre approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Day-to-day tasks

As a fishing boat deckhand, you'll:

• prepare the boat and load supplies before setting out
• operate fishing gear that controls the nets and lines
• sort, process and store catches
• unload catches at harbourside
• complete watch duty shifts
• repair damaged nets and maintain equipment
• wash down the decks and keep work areas clear of hazards

You may land catches at the end of each day, or spend several days at sea, fishing deeper waters, offshore.

Working environment

You could work on a boat.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers, cramped and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

With experience, you could work towards becoming a skipper, with overall responsibility for:

• planning trips and organising supplies
• navigating to fishing grounds
• selling catches to wholesalers and customers
• managing crew and vessel safety

You could use your experience to move into jobs like harbour tug work and port operations, or take up a career in the Merchant Navy.

You could also train in mechanical, electrical or marine engineering, and become an engineer on a fishing vessel or other type of marine craft.