Come on Me Hearties… Whose For The Fishing Then ?
Fishing can be a dangerous but rewarding profession, so if you have ever toyed with the idea but never followed through on it, and you are seeking employment, and want to give it a go, then see below the necessary certification required.
There is a way through for ‘beginners’, and the costs of training can be covered by the boat owners. So there should be no financial barriers really. Just whether you have the stomach for life at sea. And if fishing is not for you, at least you will be qualified to transfer to other areas in the marine sector that are less demanding.
In Northern Ireland, all commercial fishermen working on UK-registered vessels must complete four mandatory basic safety training courses approved by the Seafish Industry Authority and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Below is a pathway to a become a fully trained and certified fisherman. It is a hard life and not for the meek. But has its advantages.
Mandatory Safety Courses (New Entrants)
Before working on a fishing vessel, new entrants must complete these four courses:
- Basic Sea Survival (STCW95/MCA): Must be completed before going to sea for the first time.
- Basic Fire Fighting and Prevention: To be completed within 3 months of starting work.
- Basic First Aid/Elementary First Aid (STCW95): To be completed within 3 months.
- Basic Health and Safety: To be completed within 3 months.
These courses are available through training providers like SFITA(NI) in Kilkeel, Portavogie, and Ardglass.
Requirements for Experienced Fishermen
If you have been working as a fisherman for 2 years or more, you must complete an additional mandatory course:
- 1-day Safety Awareness and Risk Assessment.
Optional/Recommended Training
While not legally mandatory for all, the following is recommended and often required by boat owners:
- 15-day Introduction to Commercial Fishing Course: This comprehensive course covers the mandatory safety training plus practical skills such as net mending, rope work, and stability.
- Basic Fishing Vessel Stability.
Licensing and Certification
- New Entrant Card: Upon completion of the four mandatory courses, you should apply to Seafish for a New Entrant photo ID card.
- Certificates of Competency (CoC): As you progress, you may need CoCs based on the size of the vessel (\(<16.5m\) or \(>16.5m\)) and your role (e.g., Skipper, Mate).
- Vessel License: The vessel itself must be licensed by DAERA.
For more information, visit the Seafish guidance or official UK government guidelines.
If anyone is interested in a career in the fishing industry, note that the courses can be expensive but are usually paid for by the boat owners. And once your have completed your time at sea, and got your sea legs, if fishing is not for you, you can diversify to working on oil platforms and working on windfarms.
And there are other jobs to in the marine sector that may suit you from cargo vessels to cruise ships and ferries.
(The above information is readily available on the internet where this article was sourced from.)
