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

Pay — What Does Commercial Fishing Actually Pay?

Most UK fishing vessels operate on a share system rather than a fixed wage. After fuel, ice, food, and port costs are deducted from the gross catch value, the remainder is divided between vessel owner and crew according to pre-agreed shares. A working deckhand on an active demersal vessel might realistically earn £25,000–£40,000 in a good year. Experienced mates on large pelagic vessels can earn significantly more in peak seasons.

This means income is variable — a poor season, quota cuts, or bad weather can all affect earnings. Some vessels do offer day rates or fixed wages, particularly those supplying high-value shellfish directly to supermarkets. Ask clearly before signing on.

Rights and Protections

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has campaigned extensively for fishing crew rights. UK fishers are covered by the Fishing Vessels (Working Time) Regulations 2004, which set maximum working hours and minimum rest periods, though enforcement at sea is difficult on smaller vessels.

The MCA publishes Fishing Vessel Codes of Practice for vessels under 15m and 15–24m. Always ensure your vessel has a valid Safety Certificate and that you know what your entitlements are. The Fish Workers Union can provide advice on disputes and conditions.

The Route to Skipper

To hold a Skipper's ticket, you need a combination of sea service in a supervisory or watchkeeping capacity, the FV2 medical, and the relevant MCA oral examination. The full pathway is:

1. Deckhand → EDH(F) certificate
2. Build sea time as mate → Mate FV qualification (near coastal or unlimited)
3. Accumulate required sea service as mate in charge of a watch
4. Sit the MCA Skipper FV oral examination

Timeframes vary — a motivated fisher can reach Skipper FV Near Coastal in as few as four to five years from first berth. The Skipper FV Unlimited, which allows command of any size fishing vessel, requires more substantial sea time and a more comprehensive exam.

Quota, Brexit, and the Future of UK Fishing

The UK fishing industry is navigating post-Brexit quota adjustments under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. While some species quota increased, access disputes — particularly around port access and vessel licensing — created significant uncertainty. The NFFO publishes regular updates on quota negotiations and their fleet impact. Prospective fishers should be aware that the industry's economic landscape changes seasonally and politically.

Long term, the outlook for skilled fishing vessel officers remains positive — the fleet needs competent people, and the combination of physical resilience, sea time, and formal certification creates a foundation that translates well into offshore, pilot, or survey careers if you later decide to move sectors.