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National Occupation Code (NOC): 84121

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.

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Job Duties for Fishing vessel deckhands

• 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.

Employment Requirements for 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.

Alternate Job Titles

• Fishboat Deckhand
• Fishing Vessel Checkerman/woman
• Fishing Vessel Crewman/woman
• Fishing Vessel Deckhand
• Fishing Vessel Icer
• Fishing Vessel Netmender
• Fishing Vessel Rollerman/woman
• Fishing Vessel Skiffman/woman
• Gillnetter Deckhand
• Offshore Trawler Deckhand
• Seiner Deckhand
• Shellfish Harvester Deckhand
• Trawlerman/woman