8262 – Fishermen/women

Fishermen/women operate fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.

Profile

Index of titles

Example titles

Beam trawl fisherman/woman

Clam dredge operator

Clam fisherman/woman

Crab fisherman/woman

Danish seine fisherman/woman

Fisherman/woman

Fishing vessel skipper

Gill net fisherman/woman

Gillnetter skipper

Handliner fisherman/woman

Harpoon fisherman/woman

Hoop net fisherman/woman

Inshore fisherman/woman

Line fisherman/woman

Lobster fisherman/woman

Longline fisherman/woman

Longliner fisherman/woman

Otter trawl fisherman/woman

Pot fisherman/woman

Pound net fisherman/woman

Prawn fisherman/woman

Purse seine fisherman/woman

Scallop dredger

Seaweed dragger

Seaweed harvesting machine operator

Seiner fisherman/woman

Shellfish fisherman/woman

Shellfish harvester operator

Shore fisherman/woman

Swordfish fisherman/woman

Trap boss – fishing

Trap fisherman/woman

Troller fisherman/woman

Weir fisherman/woman

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Operate fishing vessel to pursue and catch fish and other marine life

Select area for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses and charts or electronic fishing aids

Steer vessel and operate navigational instruments

Operate fishing gear, direct fishing operation and supervise fishing crew members

Maintain engine, fishing gear and other on-board equipment

Record fishing activities, weather and sea conditions

Estimate costs of operations and plan budget for each fishing season

Establish fish marketing plan and keep records of all financial transactions

May transport fish to processing plants or fish buyers.

Employment requirements

Several years of experience as fishing vessel crew member or helper are usually required.

Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada.

A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required.

A commercial fishing licence is required.

Licences are required for each species of fish pursued.

Trade certification for fish harvesters is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Additional information

Progression to master or mate on fishing vessels over 100 gross tonnes is possible with additional training, licensing and experience.

Exclusions

Fishing masters and officers (8261)

Fishing vessel deckhands (8441)