Variant of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0 with Aggregates for Analysis of Labour force

L8 - Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations, except management

This section comprises occupations concerned with supervision and equipment operation in the natural resource-based sectors of mining, oil and gas production, forestry and logging, agriculture, horticulture and fishing. Harvesting, landscaping and natural resources labourers are also included. Most occupations in this category are industry specific and do not occur outside of the primary resources industries.
It excludes middle management occupations, which are included in variant category L0 - Management occupations.

L81 - Supervisors and occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production

This division comprises supervisors, technical occupations and equipment operation occupations in the natural resource-based sectors of mining, oil and gas production, forestry and logging, agriculture, horticulture and fishing.

83 - Occupations in natural resources and related production

This major group comprises occupations in natural resources and related production. These occupations come with Training, Education, Experience and Responsibility (TEER) identified as TEER 3. Occupations classified in TEER 3, as those included in this group with a 3 as the second digit of their code, typically require completion of a post-secondary education program of less than two years at community college, institute of technology or CÉGEP; or completion of an apprenticeship training program of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training, training courses or specific work experience with some secondary school education; or the accumulation of several years of experience in a related occupation found in TEER 4, when applicable (TEER 4 includes occupations with a 4 as a second digit in their code).

831 - Occupations in natural resources and fisheries

This sub-major group comprises occupations in natural resources and fisheries, including underground miners, oil and gas drillers and related occupations; logging machinery operators; and fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women.

8312 - Fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women

This minor group comprises fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels. They may also be employed by establishments engaged in operating commercial fishing vessels.

83120 - Fishing masters and officers

Fishing masters and officers manage and operate saltwater and freshwater fishing vessels greater than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are employed by establishments engaged in operating commercial fishing vessels.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • fishing vessel boatswain
  • fishing vessel deck officer
  • fishing vessel first mate
  • fishing vessel master
  • offshore fishing vessel captain
  • trawler captain

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Deck officers, water transport (See 72602 Deck officers, water transport)
  • Fishermen/women (See 83121 Fishermen/women)
  • Fishing vessel chief engineer (See 72603 Engineer officers, water transport)

• Main duties

  This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Command fishing vessels to catch fish and other marine life
  • Determine areas for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses, charts, tables and other aids
  • Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids such as echo sounders and chart plotters
  • Direct fishing operations and supervise crew activities
  • Record fishing progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions on ship's log
  • Select and train vessel crews.

• Employment requirements

  • Some secondary school education is usually required.
  • One to two years of experience as a fishing vessel deckhand is required.
  • Captains require one year of service as officer in charge of the watch.
  • A Fishing Master's Certificate is required for all occupations in this unit group.
  • Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada.
  • A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required for all occupations in this unit group.
  • A commercial fishing licence is required.

• Additional information

  • Completion of Transport Canada examinations is required to advance from Fishing Master Class IV through Class I. Training programs are provided in provincial training centres.
  • Progression to merchant or government vessel officer positions (which require a Marine Officer Certificate) is possible with additional training and experience.

83121 - 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.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • fisherman/woman
  • fishing vessel skipper
  • inshore fisherman/woman
  • lobster fisherman/woman
  • longliner fisherman/woman
  • seiner fisherman/woman

  All examples

• Inclusion(s)

  • seaweed dragger
  • shellfish harvester operator

• Exclusion(s)

  • Fishing masters and officers (See 83120 Fishing masters and officers)
  • Fishing vessel deckhands (See 84121 Fishing vessel deckhands)

• 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.