Fishing Boat Deckhand

Typical Salary

£10,000 To £26,000

Typical Hours

43 to 45 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Fishing Boat Deckhand

You can get into this job through:

a college course
applying directly

College / University

Young people aged 16 to 24 may be able to do a Diploma in Sea Fishing

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

If you have some sea-going experience, you may be able to find work by contacting vessel skippers directly and training on the job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

prepare the deck areas and fishing equipment
operate the gear that sends out and brings in the nets
sort, gut and store the catch
unload the catch when you return to harbour
repair damaged nets and maintain equipment
help to make sure the vessel is kept clean and tidy
cook 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, cramped and you may spend nights away from home.

Career Path & 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.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

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

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

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