Fishing Vessel Deckhands
(NOC 8441)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningThis group of jobs is concerned with fishing support activities. Fishing vessel deckhands perform a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing voyages, and maintain fishing vessels. They are employed by establishments that operate commercial fishing vessels and by self-employed fishermen/women.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Fishing Vessel Deckhands most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
The median employment income for 7% of Fishing Vessel Deckhands who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $56,425. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$17.36
Median$32.05
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,237
Minimum$18,828
Median$79,617
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
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 perform a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing voyages, and maintain fishing vessels. They are employed by establishments that operate commercial fishing vessels and by self-employed fishermen/women.
Job duties
Fishing vessel deckhands perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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
For these jobs, 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
Most workers actively fish for only part of each year. As well, work in these jobs is seasonal where employment peaks in the summer months. An individual's earnings will depend upon a number of factors such as 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 progress 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
Fishing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$22,329 median annual incomeHigh school
$15,006 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$23,932 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$22,026 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$14,201 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 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.