Printable version

Fishing Masters and Officers (8261)

Job titles

  • captain, offshore fishing vessel
  • factory freezer trawler captain
  • fishing vessel boatswain
  • View all job titles

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 are employed by establishments engaged in operating commercial fishing vessels.

Fields of interest

  • Managing, organizing, administrating
  • Working in nature and with animals

Main duties

  • Fishing masters and officers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Command fishing vessel to catch fish and other marine life
  • - Determine areas for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compass, charts, tables and other aids
  • - Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids such as colour and paper sounders
  • - 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.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Fishing Masters and Officers (8261)

Employment requirements

  • * Some secondary school education is usually required.
  • * 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.
  • * A Fishing Master's Certificate is required for all occupations in this unit group.
  • * A commercial fishing licence is required.

Skill type

  • Occupations unique to primary industry

Skill level

  • Technical

More information

  • * 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.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

Professional associations