Oceans of opportunity: How to start a career in commercial fishing

As global appetites grow for healthy, sustainably sourced protein, the fishing industry is casting a wide net for young talent and those seeking a career change.

Fishing offers a challenging yet gratifying career, deeply rooted in the UK’s maritime heritage and crucial to global food security and national economic strength. In addition to its cultural importance, the industry is evolving and embracing sustainability, innovation, and responsible practices.

Now more than ever, it’s essential to raise awareness, provide skills training, and encourage the next generation to view the sea not as a boundary but as a gateway to a fulfilling and impactful future.

Varied job roles and opportunities

The potential for rewarding careers at sea is vast – but knowing your options and how to get started is hard. The fishing sector offers a wide variety of roles both at sea and onshore, with opportunities to suit different skills and interests.

Onboard a commercial pelagic freezer trawler, key positions include deck and factory hands, who handle day-to-day fishing and processing operations; First and Second Mates, qualified Ship’s officers who drive the ship and conduct  navigation and crew management roles; the Skipper, who is the captain and is responsible for the overall safety and operation of the vessel; and engineers, who support operations by ensuring all onboard systems run smoothly. Each role plays a critical part in the vessel’s success.

These highlight just a few roles aboard a pelagic freezer trawler like ours, but the fishing industry offers a broad scope of career paths.

Tips on getting started

Following are some practical steps to help prospective job seekers kickstart a career in the UK’s commercial fishing sector.

• Explore your options

Begin by seeking out the roles that interest you, ones that play to your strengths and a career you could see yourself enjoying in the long term. Researching job listings and fishing companies can help you gain insight into available positions, typical responsibilities, and salary expectations — focus on opportunities that align with your passion and skills. The website at the link is a good place to start:  https://www.careersatsea.org/

• Consider your location

The fishing industry can vary significantly by region, and opportunities may be limited depending on where you live; for instance, there will likely be more opportunities in coastal regions on smaller vessels. For larger vessels conducting longer trips, location is less of an issue, but relocating to areas with a more active fishing sector will help you to secure specific roles or work with particular companies.

• Understand industry regulations

Take time to learn about the national training and qualification policies and regulations. Being informed about the requirements can help you identify where you could fit in to, and progress within the industry.

• Think big

Consider your long-term goals — what role in the fishing industry excites you most? Start planning your path even if you’re not ready for that position yet. Create a career roadmap outlining the roles, skills, and qualifications you’ll need. For example, if you aim to become a skipper, identify the steps qualifications and experience required to get there.

• Build connections

Networking is a great way to gain insight into a maritime career; speak with anyone involved in the industry — from experienced crew members to career starters. Visit the docks early, request job experience opportunities, and show enthusiasm. Offering help, being courteous, and keeping your contact details ready can open up opportunities. Personal connections often lead to valuable introductions and jobs.

• Apply for an apprenticeship

Organisations such as Maritime UK, East Coast Maritime Training, and Trinity House offer guidance and hands-on training through cadetships and apprenticeships across the maritime industry.

At North Atlantic, we support Cadets committed to commercial fishing careers. We sponsor several students who have completed secondary education each year to attend Fleetwood Nautical College on a foundation degree course in marine engineering or deck operations. These programmes combine academic study with time out at sea, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world conditions.

Upon completion, graduates can begin working aboard vessels as trainee mates or junior engineer officers.

• Study maritime courses

Enrolling in a maritime course at a specialist maritime college is a great way to gain relevant qualifications and experience.  After completing a programme, you may be eligible to start as a trainee deckhand aboard a fishing vessel.

Training typically includes:

• Operating deck equipment, ropes, and fishing gear
• Storing and handling the catch
• Basic navigation
• Vessel maintenance
• Sea safety and first aid

• Apply directly

If you already have experience at sea or relevant safety certifications, you can find a position by contacting vessel skippers or fishing crew agencies directly. Many roles allow for on-the-job training, allowing you to build skills and progress within the industry.

Other routes

An excellent starting point for entering the fishing industry is the Introduction to Commercial Fishing course, supported by Seafish, an organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting the UK’s seafood sector.

The course is designed for individuals looking to begin work on a commercial fishing vessel. It provides essential knowledge and practical skills relevant to the industry and mandatory safety training units required to work at sea.

Charting your course

A career in fishing is more than a job — it’s a way of life that offers purpose, pride, and progression. Whether you’re looking to start your first career, change direction, or explore your passion for the ocean, this essential and evolving industry has vast opportunities. You can chart your course toward a rewarding future at sea by taking the first steps, gaining the proper training, and building meaningful connections.