Unit Group

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.

Example Titles

crewman/woman, fishing vessel
deckhand, seiner
fishing vessel deckhand
icer, fishing vessel
netmender, fishing vessel
trawlerman/woman

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Main duties

Fishing vessel deckhands perform 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

• Clean, sort 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 mooring lines during docking

• 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.

• 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.

Classified elsewhere

• Deck officers, water transport (2273)
• Fishermen/women (8262)
• Fishing masters and officers (8261)

Classification Structure - 8