How to become a fishing vessel deckhands
Official title: Fishing vessel deckhands
Also called: Seiner deckhand, Fishboat deckhand, Fishing vessel icer, Gillnetter deckhand, Fishing vessel deckhand, Fishing vessel netmender, Offshore trawler deckhand, Fishing vessel crewman/woman, Shellfish harvester deckhand, Fishing vessel skiffman/woman, Fishing vessel rollerman/woman, Fishing vessel checkerman/woman
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: Fishing vessel deckhands require a commercial fishing licence.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $48,750 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $61,425.
- About 3,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,100 are projected by 2033. (-6.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a fishing vessel deckhands?
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.
How much does a fishing vessel deckhands earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $48,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $61,425.
Is a fishing vessel deckhands a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to fall 6% by 2033, from about 3,300 to about 3,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a fishing vessel deckhands?
Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
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: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), 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