Fishing masters and officers

Overview

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.

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.

Job titles

  • factory freezer trawler captain
  • fishing master
  • fishing vessel bo'sun
  • fishing vessel boatswain
  • fishing vessel captain
  • fishing vessel deck officer

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

-

Median

$53,600

High

-

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

37

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

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.

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.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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