Commercial fishing is a demanding profession integral to feeding populations and supporting coastal economies. It is a way of life built on hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to the marine world, attracting individuals drawn to the rewarding nature of harvesting from the ocean.
Understanding the Lifestyle and Demands
Embarking on a career in commercial fishing requires understanding its intense nature. The work is physically punishing, with long, strenuous hours that can stretch for days or weeks without a break during peak seasons. Fishermen engage in repetitive heavy lifting, handling cumbersome gear and massive catches in frequently cold and wet conditions. Life on a vessel means adapting to cramped living quarters with limited personal space and amenities.
A significant portion of the year is spent at sea, leading to prolonged absences from family and friends. This isolation can be mentally taxing, compounded by the inherent dangers of the profession. Fishermen face unpredictable weather, treacherous seas, and the risks associated with operating heavy machinery. The fatality rate in this industry is substantially higher than the national average.
The work itself is often composed of monotonous and repetitive tasks. The daily grind involves setting and hauling gear, sorting catch, and maintaining the vessel, all while contending with the motion of the boat. This relentless pace, combined with physical exertion and psychological stress, demands a high level of physical and mental fortitude.
Gaining Entry-Level Experience
For those new to the industry, often called “greenhorns,” breaking in requires persistence. The most direct method is to head to the docks in fishing towns. Walking the harbor and observing operations can provide insight and potential opportunities. Arriving prepared with basic gear like boots and rain gear shows you are serious and ready to work.
Even without direct fishing experience, a background in physically demanding jobs like construction or landscaping can be advantageous, as it shows you are accustomed to long hours and hard labor. It’s important to be persistent, as many newcomers face rejection before finding a skipper willing to take on an inexperienced hand.
Another effective strategy is to seek employment in related shoreside positions. Working in a fish processing plant or as a dockhand provides a firsthand look at the industry’s pace and logistics. These roles are an excellent way to learn about different fisheries and build a network, which can often lead directly to a deckhand position.
Essential Licenses and Certifications
Becoming a commercial fisherman requires obtaining the proper credentials, as requirements vary based on location, vessel, and target species. These credentials ensure that the fisherman and the operation comply with state and federal laws designed to manage fisheries and promote safety at sea.
State Commercial Fishing License
The most basic requirement is a state-issued commercial license. This permit allows you to legally harvest and sell seafood within that state’s waters, which generally extend up to three nautical miles from shore. Each state’s fish and wildlife agency sets its own rules and fees, so it is important to contact the specific authority in your intended area of operation.
Federal Permits
For fishing in federal waters, extending from three to 200 nautical miles offshore, federal permits are necessary. These are managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and are often specific to certain fisheries, such as halibut or tuna. Obtaining these permits can be complex, and some may be limited and require purchase from an existing permit holder.
Vessel-Specific Permits
In addition to individual licenses, the fishing vessel itself must often have specific permits. These are tied to the boat and authorize it to participate in certain fisheries or use particular types of gear. While the captain or owner is responsible for securing these permits, it is beneficial for crew members to be aware of the vessel’s legal authorizations.
Safety and Medical Certifications
Most captains will require crew members to have basic safety and medical certifications. A First Aid and CPR certification is a common prerequisite. Depending on the vessel’s size and area of operation, the U.S. Coast Guard may mandate additional training, such as a Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor certification. This covers emergency procedures like man-overboard, fire, and abandon ship drills.
Finding a Position on a Crew
Once you have some experience and are obtaining licenses, the active search for a deckhand position can begin. In addition to walking the docks, aspiring fishermen can find opportunities on specialized crew-finding websites and social media groups. Union halls and bulletin boards in harbor towns are also traditional places where skippers post openings.
When approaching a captain, it is important to present yourself as reliable, physically fit, and eager to work hard. Highlight any relevant skills, such as mechanical aptitude or previous experience with demanding physical labor. Be honest about your experience level and your susceptibility to seasickness, as captains appreciate an upfront attitude.
Be prepared for a trial period. A captain might take you on for a single trip to see how you perform and handle the conditions before offering a permanent spot. During this time, your focus should be on listening, learning, and pulling your weight without complaint. A reputation for being a hard worker is valuable in the fishing community.
Advancing Your Commercial Fishing Career
The career path in commercial fishing begins with an entry-level position as a deckhand. From there, advancement is based on experience, skill acquisition, and reliability. An experienced deckhand can move into specialized roles on the vessel, such as an engineer responsible for maintaining the engine or a net specialist in charge of the gear.
With seniority and proven competence, a deckhand can progress to the position of Mate or Boatswain. These roles involve more responsibility, including assisting the captain with navigation, overseeing deck operations, and managing other crew members. This step requires a deeper understanding of the vessel’s operations.
The ultimate career goal for many is to become a captain and potentially an owner-operator. This requires significant experience at sea, a comprehensive knowledge of fishing regulations, and advanced licensing from the U.S. Coast Guard. Becoming a captain also involves a substantial financial investment, as it often means purchasing a vessel and the necessary permits.
Earning Potential and Payment Structure
Compensation in commercial fishing is directly tied to the success of each trip. Most fishermen are not paid a fixed salary but instead work under a crew share system, also known as the lay system. This payment method aligns the entire crew’s financial interests with the outcome of the voyage.
After a fishing trip, the catch is sold, and certain trip expenses are deducted from the gross earnings. These include the costs of fuel, ice, bait, and food for the crew. The remaining net profit is then divided between the vessel owner and the crew members according to a predetermined arrangement.
Each crew member receives a “share” or a percentage of the crew’s portion of the profit. A greenhorn or entry-level deckhand will receive a smaller share compared to an experienced deckhand, who in turn earns less than the mate or engineer. The captain receives the largest share of the crew’s portion.
This structure means that income is highly variable and seasonal, depending entirely on the size and value of the catch. A successful trip can be highly lucrative for everyone, while a poor trip may result in little to no pay.