National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

• 8 - Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations
• 84 - Workers in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• 844 - Other workers in fishing and trapping and hunting occupations

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.

• Illustrative example(s)

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

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

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

• 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.