Fishing masters and officers – NOC : 8261

Unit Group

8261 Fishing masters and officers

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.

Example Titles

captain, offshore fishing vessel

deck officer, fishing vessel

first mate, fishing vessel

fishing vessel boatswain

fishing vessel master

trawler captain

View all titles

Main duties

Fishing masters and officers perform some or all of the following duties:

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 operate navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids such as 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.

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.

Additional 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.

Classified elsewhere

Deck officers, water transport (2273)
Fishermen/women (8262)
Fishing vessel engineers requiring a Transport Canada licence (in 2274 Engineer officers, water transport )