Fishing masters and officers

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.

• 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.

• 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.