Occupational map - Commercial Sea Fishing

Overview | Commercial Sea Fishing | Marine Leisure | Maritime Search and Rescue | Merchant Navy | Ports and Harbours

Commercial Sea Fishing - Roles

Skipper - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Mate - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Competent Deckhand (Deckie) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Deckie Learner (Apprentice, Trainee Fisherman) - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications
Superintendent Engineer - Role | Career Pathway | Required Qualifications

Skipper

Inshore Area

The inshore area Skipper is in command of a small fishing vessel (under current regulations - up to a maximum of 16.5m registered length) fishing close to shore and responsible for its safe and efficient operation. The Skipper will most probably be responsible for a crew even though, as skipper, they may still share some of the deckhand duties. Inshore area skippers are responsible for small vessels fishing close to shore. There are no formal requirements other than attendance on the basic safety training courses although it is likely that the Skipper will have gained some prior experience working as a deckhand before deciding to own/skipper a fishing vessel.

Limited Area

Limited area Skippers fish within a defined area around the UK coast. The Skipper is responsible for all aspects of health and safety, crew and vessel management. This includes supervising the operation of the fishing gear, vessel navigation, deciding on the method of fishing and the area of operation, management of business arrangement with merchants, vessel owners and agents, and accurately maintaining all ship records and catch logs. The skipper may be the owner of the vessel or engaged to act as skipper by the vessel's owner(s). The Limited Area Skipper must hold the Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 certificate and have completed approved 'Medical First Aid', Radio Operation - Long Range Certificate, Electronic Navigation Systems and advanced firefighting courses. In addition, the Skipper must be physically fit with good eyesight, be aged at least 20, have sufficient and suitable experience of working on fishing vessels, possess crew management skills and an understanding of all operational aspects of a fishing vessel.

Unlimited Area

Unlimited area Skippers fish in distant fishing grounds. The Skipper is responsible for all aspects of health and safety, crew and vessel management. This includes supervising the operation of fishing gear, vessel navigation, deciding on the method of fishing and the area of operation, management of business arrangement, accurately maintaining all ship records and catch logs. The Skipper must hold the Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 1 certificate. To gain this, individuals need to provide evidence of suitable and sufficient watch-keeping service completed whilst holding the Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 certificate. They also need to have achieved 'Proficiency in Medical Care', Radio Operation General Operator's certificate, Electronic Navigation Systems, Navigation Control and advanced firefighting certificates. In addition, the Skipper must be physically fit with good eyesight, be aged at least 21, and possess crew management skills.

Mate

The Mate works on large fishing vessels and helps to deputize for the Unlimited Area Skipper as chief watch commander of the vessel when required. The Mate is often tasked with the responsibility for ensuring that the fishing gear operates correctly and that the catch is stored properly. The Mate normally has expertise in health and safety, chart work and navigation, electronic navigational aids, fish finding instruments, radio communications, fishing techniques and care of the catch. The Mate must have attended courses covering the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory safety training requirements in basic sea survival, first aid and fire fighting. In order to gain the Deck Officer (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 certificate the Mate will need to have completed approved 'Medical First Aid', Radio Operation - Long Range Certificate and advanced firefighting courses. In addition, they must have sufficient and suitable experience of working on fishing vessels, and possess crew management skills with an understanding of all operational aspects of a fishing vessel.

Competent Deckhand (Deckie)

A Competent Deckhand is fully trained and/or experienced. They are a key member of the crew responsible for health and safety, preparing the deck and equipment for the catch, operating fishing gear and other equipment used for shooting and hauling fishing gear, repairing fishing gear, gutting and storing fish. The Deckhand might also cook for crew members and help to ensure the vessel is kept clean and tidy. On some vessels they may be encouraged to develop an interest in engineering through active assistance in undertaking routine maintenance tasks. Need to have attended the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory safety training requirements in basic safety awareness, sea survival, first aid and fire fighting.

If crew is in excess of four or five, one of the competent deckhands may be in charge of the other deckhands, and would commonly be referred to as a Bosun.

Engineer

Larger vessels may have a Chief Engineer and Second Engineer. Small vessels may have a deckhand, mate or skipper who can undertake engineering duties in addition to other duties. The Engineer is responsible for health and safety, maintaining, testing and diagnosing faults with all mechanical and electrical equipment (including propulsion equipment, steering equipment, on board pumping equipment and all other machinery aboard the vessel). On vessels with an engine power of 750kw or more the Engineer will assist the Chief Engineer and will be the Second Engineer. If the Engineer is working on a fishing vessel with an engine power of 750kw or more there is a statutory requirement for the Second Engineer to hold the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) Class 2 and for the Chief Engineer to hold the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency (Fishing Vessel) Class 1.

Deckie Learner

Must attend approved basic safety training before going to sea. The Trainee operates as part of a team working mainly on the deck, but possibly also helping out in the engine room when required. All new entrants must attend courses covering the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) statutory safety training requirements in basic sea survival, first aid, fire fighting and basic health and safety. In addition, Trainees must be physically fit, have good eyesight and be able to communicate and work well with others.

Superintendent Engineer

This is a shore based position that provides engineering advice and support to all the vessels owned by a company. The Superintendent Engineer will normally have been a Chief Engineer on a fishing vessel.