COMMERCIAL FISHER
Education/training
The most common way to get a job on a fishing boat is to “walk the docks” at the fishing ports, going from boat to boat asking captains for a job. No formal academic requirements exist, though some high schools offer two-year vocational-technical programs in commercial fishing. Many fishers learn the trade from family members already working in the industry. Operators of large commercial fishing boats must complete a Coast Guard–approved training course. In addition, some community colleges and universities offer courses in seamanship, boat operations, marine safety, navigation, boat repair and maintenance, and first aid.
Did You Know … ?
- Commercial fishing has one of the highest proportions of self-employed workers in the North American workforce.
- Almost all captains eventually become self-employed, and most of them will own (fully or in part) one or more fishing ships.
- A commercial fishing trip may require being at sea for several weeks or even months, often hundreds of miles from home port.
- Fishing boats are much more comfortable today than they used to be. Many modern-day boats include televisions and shower stalls.
- Roughly one out of ten commercial fishers is female.
Following are some training programs and vocational schools where you can begin to learn the ropes of commercial fishing:
Alaska Vocational Technical Center offers an extensive selection of classes in marine and fisheries skills. Contact AVTEC Admissions Office, P.O. Box 889, Seward, AK 99664, or call them at (907) 224-3322.
Educational Training Co., in Sitka, Alaska, offers five-day advanced survival training courses as well as land and sea survival courses for individuals, companies, communities, and schools. Contact Dug or Susan Jensen at (907) 747-3008, or e-mail survival@ptialaska.net.
Additional topics
Job Descriptions and Careers, Career and Job Opportunities, Career Search, and Career Choices and ProfilesCool Careers Without CollegeCOMMERCIAL FISHER - Description, Education/training, Did You Know … ?, Outlook, For More Information