8441 – Fishing vessel deckhands

Fishing vessel deckhands perform a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing voyages, and maintain fishing vessels. They are employed by establishments that operate commercial fishing vessels and by self-employed fishermen/women.

Profile

Index of titles

Example titles

Fishboat deckhand

Fishing vessel checkerman/woman

Fishing vessel crewman/woman

Fishing vessel deckhand

Fishing vessel icer

Fishing vessel netmender

Fishing vessel rollerman/woman

Fishing vessel skiffman/woman

Gillnetter deckhand

Offshore trawler deckhand

Seiner deckhand

Shellfish harvester deckhand

Trawlerman/woman

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Prepare nets, lines and other fishing tackle, and operate fishing gear to catch fish and other marine life

Sort, return protected species to the water, clean and pack fish in ice and stow catch in hold

Repair nets, splice ropes and maintain fishing gear and other deck equipment

Clean deck surfaces and fish hold

Handle anchors and mooring lines during docking and undocking procedures

May steer vessels to and from fishing areas

May prepare and cook meals for crew members.

Employment requirements

There are no specific educational requirements.

On-the-job training is provided.

Marine Emergency Duties certificate is required by Transport Canada.

A deckhand training program may be required.

Trawlermen/women require at least one year of experience.

Fishing vessel deckhands require a commercial fishing licence.

Additional information

Fishing vessel deckhands may become skippers upon acquiring an entry licence and a boat.

Fishing vessel deckhands may progress to watchkeeper or mate positions with additional training.

Exclusions

Deck officers, water transport (2273)

Fishermen/women (8262)

Fishing masters and officers (8261)