AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Deck and Fishing Hands

ANZSCO 8992

Employed

7,100

Part-time share

26%

Female share

3%

Median weekly earnings

$1,720

Median age

31 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Deck and Fishing Hands maintain ships' equipment and structures, and catch fish, crustacea and molluscs.

What they typically do

  • Handling ropes and wires, and operating mooring equipment when berthing and unberthing
  • Standing lookout watches at sea and adjusting the ship's course as directed
  • Assisting with cargo operations using on-board equipment and stowing and securing cargo
  • Patrolling ships to ensure safety of the vessel, cargo and passengers
  • Performing routine maintenance and checks on deck equipment, cargo gear, rigging, and lifesaving and firefighting appliances
  • Attaching gear and fastening towing cables to nets
  • Casting and lowering nets, pots, lines and traps into water
  • Preparing lines, attaching running gear and bait, and setting lines into position
  • Hauling in fishing gear and removing fish and other marine life
  • Sorting, cleaning, preserving, stowing and refrigerating catch

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
41.6%
QLD
16.9%
WA
10%
TAS
9.8%
VIC
9.3%
SA
8.9%
NT
2%
ACT
1.5%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Deck and Fishing Hands.

  • Certificate III in Marina Operations

    MAR30122 · AQF 3 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Chief Integrated Rating)

    MAR40121 · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating)

    MAR30220 · AQF 3 · 4 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)

    MAR10424 · AQF 1 · 23 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)

    MAR10224 · AQF 1 · 31 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate II in Fishing Operations

    SFI20219 · AQF 2 · 8 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Fishing Operations

    SFI30219 · AQF 3 · 10 providers

    View qualification