Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
Currently employed in Scotland
Jobs forecast
This information is supplied by LMI For All, where data is currently available for Scotland.
What's it like?
You would be in charge of a boat that catches fish at sea. You’d plan voyages, navigate to fishing grounds, work on deck and sell the catch to agents when back on shore.
There are different types of boats you could work on:
- Inshore vessels, which don’t go far from the coast
- Limited area vessels, which work within a set area around the coast of the United Kingdom
- Unlimited area vessels, working in distant fishing grounds in international waters
As a skipper, you’d use your knowledge of the sea and weather patterns to plan fishing voyages. You’d also navigate the vessel.
And understanding of electronics and basic engineering will help you safely operate and maintain the equipment. Most modern vessels use electronic systems for navigation, to locate fish and monitor the onboard storage conditions.
It’s a responsible job; the crew will rely on you to keep them and the boat safe. You will be expected to remain calm under pressure and make quick decisions in emergency situations. First aid skills will be valuable.
You’d also need to make sure that the fishing trips are profitable. You’d work closely with onshore agents to land and sell the catch.
Each fishing trip will need to follow maritime laws and international fishing regulations.
You could work on fishing vessels ranging from small, single-handed boats to large factory trawlers.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
Part-time
Self employed
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills that people in this job would be most likely to have:
- Working as part of a team
- Taking the lead
- Being physically fit
- Coping with pressure
- Making decisions
Build your skills
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
There are no set qualifications for this role. However, you'll need at least 18 months experience as a deckhand before applying to be a skipper.
All skippers need to hold a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Certificate of Competency.
Useful subjects
- Maths
- English
- Science subjects
- Practical technologies
- Engineering
- ICT subjects
You will also need
You will also need to complete a mandatory Safety Awareness and Risk Assessment Course.
Helpful to have
Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Maritime Occupations (SVQ level 2) and the Diploma in Maritime Studies (SCQF level 5) may be helpful.
Skills for Work Maritime Skills (SCQF level 5) may be a helpful introduction to the industry.
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