Fishing Masters and Officers
(NOC 8261)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningFishing 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 work for companies that operate commercial fishing vessels.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$15.17
Minimum$30.00
Median$80.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$14,051
Minimum$51,599
Median$160,523
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 work for companies that operate commercial fishing vessels.
Job duties
Fishing masters and officers:
- 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 use navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids like 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.
Sample job titles
- fishing master
- fishing vessel captain
- fishing vessel deck officer
- fishing vessel master
- fishing vessel mate
- fishing vessel navigation officer
Skills
- You need good eyesight and health. Physical strength may be necessary. You may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and varying climates. You must also be willing to travel for long periods at a time. To work as an officer, you should be self-disciplined and have strong leadership abilities.
Job requirements
- Some high school education is usually required.
- A Fishing Master's Certificate is required.
- A commercial fishing licence is required.
- 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.
Other considerations
- Work in these jobs is seasonal with employment peaking in the summer months and most workers in these jobs fish for only part of each year. When fishing, most work for more than 50 hours per week. An individual's earnings will depend upon a number of factors like the type of boat and equipment used, the species sought, the allotted quota, and the market price for the catch. 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.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
$64,861 median annual incomeCape Breton
$41,018 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$25,747 median annual incomeHalifax
$64,415 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$98,431 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$48,732 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$59,047 median annual incomeHigh school
$59,713 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$53,834 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Nautical Science/Merchant Marine Officer
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to serve as captains, executive officers, engineers and ranking mates on commercially licensed inland, coastal and ocean-going vessels. They include courses in maritime traditions and law, maritime policy, economics and management of commercial marine operations, basic naval architecture and engineering, shipboard power systems engineering, crew supervision, and administrative procedures.
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.