How to become a fishing boat deckhand
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
Young people aged 16 to 24 may be able to do a Diploma in Sea Fishing
You'll get work experience at sea under the guidance of a skipper. You can learn how to:
- operate and maintain deck and fishing gear
- handle and stow the catch
- do bridge watch duties like helping to steer or navigate
- maintain the vessel
You will be given support for lodgings, travel and safety equipment during the course,
There is no set time to complete it. You work to an individual training plan until you have all the work experience you need.
Apprenticeship
You could do a fisher intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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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.
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Further information
You can find more information about careers in the fishing industry from Seafish.