Skilled-trade career guide
Commercial Fishing Careers: Training, Skills and Pathways
Look for a fishing crew that trains new deckhands, and check the fishery’s crew-licensing and safety requirements before going aboard.
How to get started — United States
Look for a fishing crew that trains new deckhands, and check the fishery’s crew-licensing and safety requirements before going aboard. Beginner fishing crew or deckhand duties under an experienced captain. Catch permits, vessel command and processing-vessel credentials are separate matters.
Starter job titles
Fishing deckhand trainee • Entry-level commercial fishing crew member
School or technical education
A formal educational credential is not usually required. Many fishing workers learn on the job. Seamanship, marine safety or fisheries courses can improve preparation, but a college program is not the standard prerequisite for beginner deck work.
Formal apprenticeship
Employer training is common; local programs are another option. Sea Grant and other regional organizations offer commercial-fishing training or apprenticeship programs. Check current openings and conditions instead of assuming a formal apprenticeship is available everywhere.
Certificates and licences
Confirm crew credentials before participating in fishing. Requirements depend on state, fishery, vessel and role. Alaska, for example, requires a commercial crew licence for many fishing and related vessel duties. Catch permits and captain or mariner credentials are separate from beginner crew training.
Training at work
Complete vessel and gear instruction before assigned duties. Learn emergency procedures, flotation equipment, safe deck movement and the hazards of lines and hauling machinery. A trainer should introduce catch handling and gear tasks gradually.
1. Identify the fishery and crew opening
Ask established fishing employers or regional training programs about beginner deckhand roles, seasons and voyage lengths.
2. Confirm documents and employment terms
Check required crew licences and vessel-specific credentials before work. Ask how pay or catch shares, expenses, accommodation and return travel are handled.
3. Complete the vessel’s orientation
Learn emergencies, communication, personal flotation, hygiene and restricted areas before assisting with assigned catch or deck tasks.
4. Develop reliable crew skills
Build experience in sorting, preserving and safely handling gear, with separate instruction before navigation, machinery or other advanced duties.
When to take on more
Experienced deckhands can take greater responsibility, but operating a vessel or holding a fishery permit requires its own qualifications and approvals.
Choices after the basics
Learn a different fishing gear type. Develop seafood handling and quality skills. Explore a separate maritime credential pathway for advancement. These are choices, not required steps.
Before applying
These are typical U.S. starting routes for the roles described. Check the actual job and local rules before applying or paying for training. Do you hire beginners, and what training do you provide? What must I have before my first day, and what can I earn while working? If apprentice registration is needed, who applies, when do my hours start counting, and who signs my records? Which tools and protective equipment do you provide? Who checks that I am ready for each new task?
Business ownership
Starting your own business is a separate choice. Check business permits, insurance and any rules for the services you plan to offer.
For students
Still in school? Explore through classes, career visits and supervised activities. Job ages and allowed tasks have separate rules.
Source review
Reviewed 2026-10-14. National sources describe typical routes; they do not settle every local rule.
What the work involves
Commercial fishing crews prepare and handle fishing gear, sort and store the catch, clean work areas and assist with routine vessel upkeep. Work changes with the species, gear and region, and crews follow catch restrictions, handling requirements and the captain’s instructions during demanding and often seasonal voyages.
Where you work
Commercial fishing vessels, ports and landing facilities on coastal or inland fisheries.
Skills to develop
Following crew instructions; Gear and catch handling; Practical seamanship; Careful seafood handling.
Tools to get familiar with
Employer-approved waterproof workwear, Non-slip waterproof work boots, Water-resistant notebook for procedures and records. Ask what the employer provides before buying tools.
Tools used with further training
Fishery-specific nets, lines or traps, Winches and deck-handling equipment, Catch sorting and preservation equipment, Navigation and fish-finding electronics.
Safe working practices
Complete vessel orientation, emergency and gear-safety instruction before assigned work. Use the required personal flotation and protective equipment, and stay clear of moving lines, winches and suspended loads.
Pay and earnings
Fishing pay may be hourly, seasonal or a share of the catch. The cited BLS table does not publish a median wage for this occupation. Ask about the written pay agreement, trip costs and seasonal hours. Compare current local employee vacancies. Self-employed revenue and profit are not included in employee wage comparisons.
Related names and specialties
commercial fisher, fishing deckhand, fishing crew member, commercial fisherman.