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fishing vessel deckhand
Deckhands and mates are part of the crew of sea-going fishing vessels ranging from single-handed boats to factory ships crewed by up to 20 people. It is usual to start as a deckhand and progress to mate then skipper. (For information on the role of skipper see the fishery vessel officer/skipper profile).
Duties include:
- preparing the deck and equipment for the catch
- operating equipment used for shooting and hauling
- repairing fishing nets and equipment
- gutting and storing fish
- unloading the catch when the vessel returns to harbour
- helping to ensure the vessel is kept clean and tidy
- cooking for crew members on some vessels.
The range of tasks depends on the size of the vessel. Those working on smaller inshore vessels sometimes work alone, so are fully responsible for the vessel and its maintenance at sea, as well as fishing activity. On large factory ships there may be additional duties involved with handling and freezing the catch.
Mates have additional responsibilities, such as:
- reading charts and navigating
- using more advanced equipment
- deputising for the skipper.
Hours and Environment
Hours vary according to the size and purpose of the vessel. Small inshore vessels usually go to sea on a daily basis. Larger vessels may go to set areas around the UK coast (limited area) or to more distant fishing grounds (unlimited area). These are likely to be away at sea for anything between several days to weeks or months at a time. Time is also spent ashore maintaining nets and repairing the vessel.
Fishing vessel staff work mainly out in the open. The work is physically demanding and can be hazardous, especially in freezing weather, storms and gales.
Conditions on board are often cramped, with basic facilities, although this varies depending on the type and age of vessel.
Skills and Interests
To be a deckhand you should:
- be physically fit, with stamina and good manual dexterity
- be able to work as part of a close-knit team, often in cramped and difficult conditions
- be safety-conscious
- be able to follow instructions and give clear explanations to others
- be willing to spend time away from home, sometimes for long periods.
Entry
To become a trainee deckhand you must be at least 16. You do not need any particular qualifications, but you must:
- be physically fit
- have good eyesight and hearing
- be able to work well with others.
If you are aged between 16 and 24 you might be able to enter on an apprenticeship scheme. Please see the Training section for more details of this.
Most entrants are young people, but there is no upper age limit.
Most people enter through one of the group training associations (GTAs) around the UK. Please contact Seafish Training to find your nearest GTA – see Further Information for contact details.
If you have some experience at sea you might be able to get into the work by directly approaching a skipper and receiving on-the-job training.
Please see the Seafish Training website for information on the fishing industry and on related careers and qualifications.
You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Training
As a new entrant you will have to attend courses covering the four Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory training requirements in:
- sea survival
- first aid
- fire fighting
- basic health and safety.
You can work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Marine Vessel Support with the optional route Deckhand (Seafish).
With appropriate experience and training, you might then be able to progress to mate and then skipper, undertaking NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Marine Vessel Operations with optional routes Mate (Fishing) and Skipper (Fishing).
To gain a Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 Certificate (endorsed for Mate: Unlimited area) you will need to have completed:
- MCA approved medical first aid training
- Radio Operation Long Range Certificate
- advanced firefighting courses.
You will also need to be aged at least 20 and have crew management skills with an understanding of all operational aspects of a fishing vessel.
This will enable you to take the oral examinations leading to the MCA Certificate of Competency. Please see the Seafish Training and MCA websites for more information - details in the Further Information section.
NVQs/SVQs are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Opportunities
The UK fishing industry is mainly based around the Scottish islands, the east coast of Scotland and the east and and south west coast of England.
Experienced deckhands may become skippers or fishing vessel engineers. Those qualified as inshore skippers may operate their own small boat.
There may be opportunities to move into related areas such as the Merchant Navy, support or standby vessels, harbour tug work, fish farming, oil or gas exploration or ferries.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Starting salaries are around £10,000 a year.
Experienced deckhands can earn up to £25,000 a year.
Further information
St Andrew’s Dock
Hull
HU3 4QE
Tel: 01482 327837
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
S015 1EG
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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