How to become a fishing master or officer
Official title: Fishing masters and officers
Also called: Fishing master, Fishing vessel mate, Fishing vessel bo'sun, Fishing vessel master, Fishing vessel captain, Fishing vessel boatswain, Fishing vessel first mate, Fishing vessel second mate, Fishing vessel deck officer, Offshore fishing vessel captain, Fishing vessel navigation officer, Trawler captain
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 33% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Marine transportation; Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians; Fishing and fisheries sciences and management.
- Licence or registration: A commercial fishing licence is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,507 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $118,950.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a fishing master or officer?
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.
How much does a fishing master or officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,507 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,750 to $118,950.
Do you need a degree to become a fishing master or officer?
Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03