Fishing vessel skipper | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Fishing vessel skippers are in charge of the crew onboard sea-going fishing boats.

  • Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments.  
  • 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.  
  • Remove catches from fishing equipment and measure them
Read more about Fishing vessel skipper

Fishing vessel skippers typically work around 41 to 43 hours per week.

As a Fishing vessel skipper you will typically work evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
  • Read more about Fishing vessel skipper
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    32,913 GBP *
    per year
    10,000 GBP
    60,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
    Average salary for Fishing vessel skipper
    • 32,913 GBP
    Average salary for full-time Fishing vessel skipper

    Showing:
    • 32,913 GBP
    • 32,913 GBP
    Salary over time for Fishing vessel skipper

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 37,518 GBP
    • 37,933 GBP
    • 35,818 GBP
    • 35,349 GBP
    • 40,023 GBP
    • 32,513 GBP
    • 32,913 GBP
    • 34,141 GBP
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    Future outlook for Fishing vessel skippers

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    Fair outlook
    5 000+ jobs available
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    Balanced outlook
    -1% yearly wage growth (on average)
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    Balanced outlook
    56% chance of automation in the future

    Fishing vessel skipper - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Fishing vessel skipper and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 50% of people in this role have do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications
    • 25% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
    • 10% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

    You'll need:

    •  knowledge of public safety and security   
    •  customer service skills  
    •  the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure  
    •  patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations  
    •  to be thorough and pay attention to detail  
    •  sensitivity and understanding  
    •  knowledge of training and how to present information  
    •  the ability to work well with others  
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Fishing vessel skipper

    Health & Lifestyle

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Fishing vessel skipper.
    Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems
    Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

    Things to highlight for your Fishing vessel skipper interview

    Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Persistence Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

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