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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
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$53,600
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Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
37expected 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
Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Fishing masters and officers in B.C.
- Fishing Master's Certificate
- Marine Emergency Duties Certificate - Fishing masters and officers
- Commercial fishing licences - Fishing masters and officers
- Small Vessel Operator Proficiency
Fishing Master's Certificate
To work as Fishing masters and officers in B.C., you need a Fishing Master's Certificate. Click the link below for more information.
Marine Emergency Duties Certificate - Fishing masters and officers
To work as Fishing masters and officers in B.C., you need a Marine Emergency Duties Certificate issued by Transport Canada. Click the link below for more information.
Commercial fishing licences - Fishing masters and officers
To work as Fishing masters and officers in B.C., you need the appropriate fishing licence(s). Click the link below for more information.
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency
To work as Fishing masters and officers in B.C., you need the appropriate fishing Vessel Operator licence(s). Click the link below for more information.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.