Fishermen/women

Overview

Fishermen/women operate fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate fishing vessel to pursue and catch fish and other marine life

  • Select area for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses and charts or electronic fishing aids

  • Steer vessel and operate navigational instruments

  • Operate fishing gear, direct fishing operation and supervise fishing crew members

  • Maintain engine, fishing gear and other on-board equipment

  • Record fishing activities, weather and sea conditions

  • Estimate costs of operations and plan budget for each fishing season

  • Establish fish marketing plan and keep records of all financial transactions

  • May transport fish to processing plants or fish buyers.

Job titles

  • beam trawl fisherman/woman
  • clam dredge operator
  • clam fisherman/woman
  • crab fisherman/woman
  • Danish seine fisherman/woman
  • fisherman/woman

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

$41,712

Median

$83,424

High

$119,964

Job openings

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

British Columbia

115

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Several years of experience as fishing vessel crew member or helper are usually required.

  • Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada.

  • A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required.

Additional information

  • Progression to master or mate on fishing vessels over 100 gross tonnes is possible with additional training, licensing and experience.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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