Fishing vessel skipper

Fishing vessel skippers work on different types of boat, including:

• inshore vessels, working close to the shoreline
•  limited area vessels, fishing within a set distance around the UK coast
•  unlimited area vessels, trawling fishing grounds in international waters

As a skipper, you would:

• plan voyages, including locations, time away and supplies needed
•  operate and maintain fishing gear, sonar equipment and storage areas
•  navigate the vessel and maintain radio communications
•  manage the safety of the vessel and crew
•  work closely with onshore agents to land and sell your catch
•  follow maritime laws and fishing regulations

• leadership skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• knowledge of public safety and security 
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your initiative
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of geography
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

With experience and further training you may be able to move into related areas, like:

• the Merchant Navy
•  port operations
•  fish or shellfish farming
•  offshore sustainable energy development
•  cargo or passenger ferry work
•  deck or engineering officer roles