Fishing vessel skipper | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

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

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 to ensure compliance with legal size.
Locate fish, using fish-finding equipment.
Return undesirable or illegal catches to the water.
Pull and guide nets, traps, and lines onto vessels, by hand or using hoisting equipment.
Direct fishing operations, and supervise fishing crew members.
Signal other workers to move, hoist, and position loads.
Compute positions and plot courses on charts to navigate vessels, using instruments such as compasses, sextants, and charts.
Oversee the purchase of supplies, gear, and equipment such as fuel, netting, and cables.
Attach nets, slings, hooks, blades, or lifting devices to cables, booms, hoists, or dredges.
Transport fish to processing plants or to buyers.
Interpret weather and vessel conditions to determine appropriate responses.
Wash decks, conveyors, knives, and other equipment, using brushes, detergents, and water.
Connect accessories such as floats, weights, flags, lights, or markers to nets, lines, or traps.
Load and unload vessel equipment and supplies, by hand or using hoisting equipment.
Harvest marine life for human or animal consumption, using diving or dredging equipment, traps, barges, rods, reels, or tackle.
Hire qualified crew members, and assign their duties.
Plan fishing operations, establishing the fish to be sought, the fishing location, the method of capture, and the duration of the trip.
Stand lookout for schools of fish, and for steering and engine-room watches.
Operate rowboats, dinghies, or skiffs to transport fishers, divers, or sponge hookers or to tow and position fishing equipment.
Sell catches by contacting and negotiating with buyers or by sending catches to fish auctions.
Club or gaff large fish to enable hauling them into fishing vessel.
Monitor distribution of proceeds from sales of catches to ensure that crew members receive their prearranged portions.
Record in logbooks specifics of fishing activities such as dates, harvest areas, yields, and weather and sea conditions.
Estimate costs of operations and plan fishing season budgets accordingly.
Share fishing expertise through activities such as writing for fishing magazines, hosting television shows, or testing and endorsing fishing equipment.
Participate in wildlife management, disease control, and research activities.

Average salary
32,913 GBP *
per year

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

Fair outlook

5 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

-1% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

56% chance of automation in the future

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

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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Fishing vessel skipper | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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Future outlook for Fishing vessel skippers

Fishing vessel skipper - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

What soft skills do I need?

Things to highlight for your Fishing vessel skipper interview

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