Fishing Vessel Deckhands
(NOC 8441)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningThis group of jobs is concerned with fishing support activities. Fishing vessel deckhands complete a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing trips and maintain fishing vessels. They work for companies that operate commercial fishing vessels and by self-employed fishermen/women.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
This occupation was among the first to be affected by COVID-19, as flights carrying live lobster to China were suspended in the winter before cases of the virus appeared in the province. The loss of the Chinese market, followed by falling demand in other countries, resulted in a large decrease in the market price of lobsters. The lobster fishing season was already underway in much of the province when prices plunged. The Northumberland Strait season, which begins in May, was delayed by two weeks. There may have been fewer opportunities for deckhands—or earlier layoffs for those already employed—as fishermen/women contended with adverse market conditions and less revenue than normal. Fishing vessels were exempted from restrictions on group sizes and physical distancing, limiting the effect of the pandemic on tasks and working conditions.
The level of employment in this occupation is influenced by the number of fishing licenses for a specific area and species of seafood, which determines the number of employers. However, variables like seafood prices or catch volumes may prompt fishermen/women to hire more or fewer deckhands in season. A lot of hiring takes place through personal contacts and word-of-mouth and not very many public job postings are observed. There may be some competition for vacancies as wages are relatively high for the skill level. A large share of opportunities in this occupation are expected to come from retirements. There are many deckhands who are near or beyond typical retirement age.
The median employment income for the 7% of Fishing Vessel Deckhands who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $56,425. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$20.82
Median$50.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,237
Minimum$18,828
Median$79,617
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group of jobs is concerned with fishing support activities. Fishing vessel deckhands complete a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing trips and maintain fishing vessels. They work for companies that operate commercial fishing vessels and by self-employed fishermen/women.
Job duties
Fishing vessel deckhands:
- Prepare nets, lines, and other fishing tackle, and operate fishing gear to catch fish and other marine life.
- Clean, sort and pack fish in ice and stow catch in hold.
- Repair nets, splice ropes and maintain fishing gear and other deck equipment.
- Clean deck surfaces and fish hold.
- Handle mooring lines during docking.
- May steer vessels to and from fishing areas.
- May prepare and cook meals for crew members.
Sample job titles
- fishboat deckhand
- fishing vessel crewman/woman
- fishing vessel deckhand
- trawlerman/woman
Skills
You should enjoy working outdoors and being physically active. Good eyesight and health are important. You may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and varying climates. You must be alert, patient, and observant. Some jobs involve irregular or long hours and may be seasonal.
Job requirements
- There are no specific educational requirements.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Fishing vessel deckhands require a commercial fishing licence.
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. 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. Trawlermen/women require at least one year of experience. Fishing vessel deckhands may become skippers upon acquiring an entry licence and a boat and may also move to watchkeeper or mate positions with additional training.
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?
Cape Breton
Southern
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
25-34
15-24
55-64
65+
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
$22,329 median annual incomeHigh school
$15,036 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$23,932 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,026 median annual incomeBachelor
$14,201 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
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.