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Fishing boat deckhand

Alternative titles for this job include Fishing vessel deckhand, fishing trawler deckhand

Deckhands work on fishing boats and trawlers. They operate and maintain fishing gear, nets and lines, and process catches as they're taken in.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 48 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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.

More Information

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.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Fishing Apprentice

  • Wage: £11,778 a year Annually
  • Location: Union Street, Salcombe
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Maritime Studies Certificate

  • Provider: SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Dartmouth

Deck Shipping and Maritime Operations - Level 3

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 January 2026
  • Location: Fleetwood
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