Commercial Fishing — Starting Your Career

Commercial fishing is one of the most physically demanding careers at sea — and one of the least well-signposted. There is no UCAS form, no single training body to call, and no definitive list of who is hiring. Yet the UK fishing fleet employs around 11,000 fishers and landing value sits at over £1 billion a year. The entry routes exist. You just need to know where to look.

Is Commercial Fishing Regulated Like Merchant Navy?

Yes — but under a different framework. UK fishing vessels are regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and come under the Fishing Vessels (Working Time) Regulations and the Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels. STCW does not apply directly to fishing vessels under 24 metres, though it is increasingly referenced for larger fleet vessels.

The core certification framework for UK fishers runs through the Seafish Industry Authority and the MCA Fishing Vessel certificates:

• Efficient Deck Hand (Fishing) — EDH(F): entry-level certificate, typically done at a Seafish-approved training centre
• Skipper's Certificates: Skipper FV Unlimited, Skipper FV Near Coastal, Skipper FV Restricted Waters
• Mate FV Near Coastal / Mate FV Unlimited: required below Skipper level on larger vessels
• Engineer certificates: Fishing Vessel Class 2 Engine Room Watch (FVERW) and above for engineering roles

Seafish (seafish.org) publishes the full Training for Fishermen guide with approved providers by region.

The FV2 Medical

All fishing vessel crew working commercially require an FV2 seafarer medical certificate. This is similar in scope to the ENG1 for merchant navy but issued by an MCA-approved doctor under Fishing Vessel Notice (FVN) guidance. It covers vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and general fitness for sea duty.

You can find approved FV2 medical practitioners through the MCA's online provider directory at gov.uk. Cost is typically £80–£130. The certificate is valid for two years (one year if you are over 65 or have a disclosed condition).

Safety Training — What Do You Actually Need?

For vessels under 24 metres, the minimum safety requirement is typically:

• Sea Survival (STCW equivalent short course or Seafish-approved equivalent)
• First Aid at Sea
• Fire Prevention and Fighting

On larger pelagic or demersal vessels operating offshore, full STCW BST (Basic Safety Training) is often required and increasingly demanded by operators. Some skippers will specify BOSIET for vessels working alongside offshore infrastructure. Check vessel-specific requirements before applying.

Your First Berth — How to Find It

Unlike merchant navy where manning agents and company HR departments handle recruitment, fishing berths are often filled through direct contact with skippers, word of mouth at harbours, and regional fishing associations. Key approaches:

• Dock walking: arrive at a working fishing port (Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Newlyn, Brixham, Whitby, Hull) and speak directly to skippers taking on crew. Early morning before departure is the right time
• Harbour masters: they know which vessels are crewed up and which are short — introduce yourself
• Regional fishing associations: National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (nffo.org.uk) can point toward active fleets
• Online: Crew Connect's maritime jobs board lists fishing vessel berths alongside offshore and merchant navy roles — your profile can be found by vessel owners actively hiring

Fishing Vessel Types and What They Mean for Your Career