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Fishing Skipper

Kaiurungi Hao Ika

Fishing skippers are responsible for running a fishing boat. Responsibilities range from navigating the vessel and organising the crew to catching and processing fish.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a fishing skipper. However, biology, geography and maths are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate
  • Diploma

Useful experience

Useful experience for fishing skippers includes:

  • work as a deckhand 
  • work as a first or second mate on a fishing boat
  • navigational work
  • other commercial fishing experience.

What you will do

Fishing skippers may do some or all of the following:

  • hire, direct and mentor crew
  • navigate fishing boats to and from fishing grounds
  • manage the deck and fishing duties
  • record fish catches and keep quality records
  • ensure the ship is properly equipped and maintained
  • ensure the health and safety of the crew
  • undertake maintenance and emergency repairs.

Skills and knowledge

Fishing skippers will learn or have:

  • vessel-handling skills and an understanding of their vessel's capabilities and equipment
  • good navigational skills
  • knowledge of the habits and location of the fish species they're catching
  • the ability to identify where fish are using radar and echo-sounders
  • knowledge of tides, coastlines, marine hazards and the weather
  • an understanding of health, safety and hygiene rules and regulations
  • knowledge of the Fisheries Act, Maritime New Zealand requirements, and fishing quotas.
Pay

Inshore fishing skippers usually earn

$49K-$80K

per year

Deep-sea fishing skippers usually earn

$130K-$280K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a fishing skipper are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.
Length of training
<2
years of training required.

Industry

Aquaculture and Fishing

Fishing skippers are responsible for running a fishing boat. Responsibilities range from navigating the vessel and organising the crew to catching and processing fish.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a deep-sea fishing skipper you need to have a skipper fishing vessel unlimited (SFV-U) certificate. 

To become an inshore fishing skipper you need to have a skipper restricted limit (SRL) certificate and a skipper fishing vessel limited (SFV) certificate. 

Before training as a fishing skipper you must first pass a maritime eyesight and colour vision test. 

 You must also: 

  • have experience on a fishing vessel 
  • have approved qualifications in first aid, radar, firefighting and survival
  • pass seafarer medical tests
  • be able to prove you are a 'fit and proper person'. 

Fishing skippers who run their own boat must hold a fishing permit and Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE) and/or quota shares.

Chances of getting a job

Retiring fishing skippers create opportunities

Chances of getting work as a fishing skipper are good for those with experience. However, it can be difficult to enter the role. But with an ageing fishing skipper workforce, there are expected to be more opportunities as older workers retire. 

Be prepared to start as a deckhand

The best way to become a fishing skipper is to get a job as a deckhand and work your way up the ranks, gaining the necessary maritime qualifications along the way.

According to the Census, 540 fishing skippers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Some skippers own their boats, others are employed by fishing companies

On smaller inshore fishing boats, skippers either own the boat they operate or are directly employed by the owner. On larger deep-sea fishing boats, skippers are employed by the company operating the boat.

Most fishing boats registered in New Zealand operate in inshore waters.

Find out more about training

Maritime New Zealand
0508 22 55 22 - enquiries@maritimenz.govt.nz - www.maritimenz.govt.nz

Progression and specialisations

Fishing skippers may progress to work on non-fishing vessels or move into onshore management roles, such as vessel manager, within a fishing company.

Fishing skippers usually specialise in either deep-sea or inshore fishing.

Deep-sea Fishing Skipper
Deep-sea fishing skippers may lead a large crew and play a managerial role on the fishing boat.
Inshore Fishing Skipper
Inshore fishing skippers may have just one crew member working for them. They have a more hands-on role in operating the boat and catching fish. 

Working conditions

Fishing skippers:

  • usually work 12-hour days, including weekends, when they are at sea
  • may work at sea for periods ranging from a day to many weeks
  • work in all types of weather, and in conditions that may be cramped and hazardous.

Physical Requirements

Fishing skippers on inshore fishing boats need to be fit and healthy, as their role involves a lot of physical labour. Physical fitness is less important for deep-sea fishing skippers, as their role is usually confined to the wheelhouse.

Useful personal qualities

Fishing skippers need to be:

  • responsible, practical, and able to work well under pressure
  • safety-conscious 
  • able to think on their feet and remain calm in emergencies
  • good at communicating and leading others
  • good at making decisions.

Industry

Aquaculture and Fishing

Fishing skippers are responsible for running a fishing boat. Responsibilities range from navigating the vessel and organising the crew to catching and processing fish.

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