Fishing Vessel Skipper
Job Description:Fishing vessel skippers are in charge of the crew onboard sea-going fishing boats.
Job Category:What you will do:
Fishing vessel skippers work on different types of boat, including:
- inshore vessels, which fish close to the shoreline
- limited area vessels, which fish within a set area around the UK coast
- unlimited area vessels, working in distant fishing grounds in international waters
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- plan fishing voyages
- operate and maintain equipment
- navigate the vessel
- manage the safety of the vessel and crew
- work closely with onshore agents to land and sell the catch
- make sure that fishing trips return a profit
- make sure that each fishing trip follows maritime laws and international fishing regulations
- use electronic systems for navigation, locating fish and monitoring onboard storage conditions
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- leadership skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
If you are 16 to 19 you could start off as a fishing boat deckhand. You can do a Diploma in Sea Fishing while getting experience at sea through a fishing industry college.
When you have experience you can learn and train on the job to go on to become a skipper.
Apprenticeship
Advanced apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Workboat crewmember
- Boatmaster
- Officer of the watch
These apprenticeships typically take 24 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.
Work
You can start as a deckhand at sea and learn on the job. You’ll usually need around 18 months’ experience before you can skipper a boat. You’ll also need to have completed mandatory basic safety training for:
- sea survival
- fire fighting
- health and safety
- first aid
You’ll need to:
- complete basic sea safety training – STCW – approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- pass a medical check
Working Hours and Environment:
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and cramped.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience and further training you may be able to move into related career areas like:
- the Merchant Navy
- harbour tug work
- fish farming
- offshore oil or gas exploration
- offshore sustainable energy development
- cargo or passenger ferry operations
- deck or engineering officer roles