84121 – Fishing vessel deckhands
TEER 4Occupations usually requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training
Lead statement
Fishing vessel deckhands perform a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing voyages, and maintain fishing vessels.
Main duties
- Prepare nets, lines and other fishing tackle, and operate fishing gear to catch fish and other marine life
- Sort, return protected species to the water, clean 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 anchors and mooring lines during docking and undocking procedures
- May steer vessels to and from fishing areas
- May prepare and cook meals for crew members.
Employment requirements
- There are no specific educational requirements.
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Marine Emergency Duties certificate is required by Transport Canada.
- A deckhand training program may be required.
- Trawlermen/women require at least one year of experience.
- Fishing vessel deckhands require a commercial fishing licence.
Example job titles
fishing vessel checkerman/woman · fishing vessel crewman/woman · fishboat deckhand · fishing vessel deckhand · gillnetter deckhand · offshore trawler deckhand · seiner deckhand · fishing vessel icer · fishing vessel netmender · fishing vessel rollerman/woman · shellfish harvester deckhand · fishing vessel skiffman/woman · trawlerman/woman
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $18.00 | $25.00 | $50.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $17.56 | $25.00 | $39.13 |
| New Brunswick | $17.14 | $21.00 | $35.00 |
| Quebec | $18.00 | $21.00 | $30.00 |
| British Columbia | $20.00 | $35.00 | $50.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.