Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

The Work

While the general pattern of fishing is that boats leave for the fishing ground in the early morning and return the same evening, many of the larger vessels stay at sea for longer periods.  
 
The Skipper or the Second-Hand normally attends to the navigation of the vessel while the Fishing Vessel Engineer maintains the engine. Electronic systems such as radio transmitters, navigating and fish locating equipment are used.  
 
The shooting and the hauling of the nets is carried out by the Deck-hands who are also responsible for the gutting, washing, grading and icing of the fish and general up-keep of the vessel. All members of crews are very aware of safety drills and are capable of swift action in the event of an emergency at sea.  
 
When confined to port during bad weather or for engine repairs, the crew are occupied in the maintenance of the vessel and the repair of nets.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Patrol trap lines or nets to inspect settings, remove catch, and reset or relocate traps.
• Obtain permission from landowners to hunt or trap on their land.
• Travel on foot, by vehicle, or by equipment such as boats, snowmobiles, helicopters, snowshoes, or skis to reach hunting areas.
• Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments.
• Skin quarry, using knives, and stretch pelts on frames to be cured.
• Maintain and repair trapping equipment.
• Scrape fat, blubber, or flesh from skin sides of pelts with knives or hand scrapers.
• Put fishing equipment into the water and anchor or tow equipment, according to the fishing method used.
• Maintain engines, fishing gear, and other on-board equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Sort, pack, and store catch in holds with salt and ice.

Further Information

• Fisher - from: GradIreland
• Fisher - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

The general mode of entry to the sea fishing industry is by means of the training scheme operated by BIM. BIM aims to provide a higher level of professional competence for all sea-going personnel. Vacancies under the scheme are advertised each year in the public press and applications are invited. Eligible candidates will be interviewed at selected centres throughout the country.  
 
BIM also offers many safety programmes. The Basic Safety Programme is required by all fishing vessel crew members. Successfully applicants completing the basic safety training will be supplied with a BIM Safety Training Card. In addition, fishing vessel crew will receive a BIM Commercial Fishing Training Record Book.

However persuing training, such as those available from the National Maritime College of Ireland, can enhance your prospects.

Key Skill Certs: 

-Manual Handling 

-First Aid 

-Fire Safety

-Navigation, Radio & Communication 

-Life saving techniques 

Health & safety and first aid courses are often provided in local Training Centres or through ETBs Search our FET Coursefinder 

In Line with STCW Convention Regulation 1/14, and section A-1/14, of the STCW Code, companies must ensure that seafarers assigned to any of their ships have received refresher and updating training as required by the convention, Seafarers & maritime training

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €46k

Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, shift pattern, and duties.

Data Source(s):
BIM/ Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor.ie/ WRC

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Although the employment growth over the five-year period was negative for this occupation, employment levels have remained static since 2020. At 37%, the share aged 55 years or older was almost double the national average of 19%.

A relatively high share of persons employed in this occupation were employed part-time. The administrative and support services sector accounted for the largest share of employment for this occupation at almost two-fifths.

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Fishing in Ireland

  • 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24
  • (01) 278 7022
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here