A common way into this career is through an intermediate apprenticeship in maritime occupations: sea fishing.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Fishing boat deckhand
Alternative titles for this job include Fishing vessel deckhand
Deckhands clear the decks, prepare and maintain equipment and handle the catch on offshore fishing vessels.
Average salary (a year)
£10,000 Starter
to£26,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
43 to 45 variable
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home
How to become a fishing boat deckhand
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
Direct application
If you have some sea-going experience, you may be able to find work by contacting vessel skippers directly and training on the job.
More information
Further information
You can find more information about careers in the fishing industry from Seafish.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to use your initiative
- persistence and determination
- knowledge of food production methods
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- complete basic sea safety training – STCW – approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- have good eyesight and hearing
- be over 16 years of age
- have a good level of fitness
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- preparing the deck areas and fishing equipment
- operating the gear that sends out and brings in the nets
- sorting, gutting and storing the catch
- unloading the catch when you return to harbour
- repairing damaged nets and maintaining equipment
- helping to make sure the vessel is kept clean and tidy
- cooking for crew members (on some vessels)
Working environment
You could work on a boat.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers, you may spend nights away from home and cramped.
Career path and progression
You could work towards becoming a skipper. Inshore skippers can operate their own small boat (up to 16.5m). Further training is needed for larger vessels.
You could also use your experience to move into related areas like the Merchant Navy or harbour tug work.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Boatbuilder
- Wage : £220.00 Weekly
- Location: Arundel BN18 0UZ
Courses In England
SQA Cert in Maritime Studies (Engine Rating) L2
- Provider: Tyne Coast College T/A South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College
- Start date: 14 October 2019
- Location: South Shields
Deck Shipping and Maritime Operations - Level 3
- Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
- Start date: 25 February 2020
- Location: Fleetwood
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