Deckhand Preparation & Development courses (1&2)
Course Overview
The Seafish Deckhand Courses are designed for entry level candidates wishing to enter the commercial fishing industry and gain knowledge and experience of working at sea before committing to all the training days. Upon completion of both parts of the Seafish Deckhand courses, candidates will be equipped with all the core skills and the 4 mandatory courses required to start their career at sea on a commercial fishing vessel.
There are two courses:
- Part 1 Deckhand Preparation: 5 days training to include Seafish Basic Health & Safety and STCW Personal Survival Techniques (please see below for further information on the Part 1 course syllabus)
After successfully working at fishing for a few weeks then candidates will be eligible to return to undertake Part 2.
- Part 2 Deckhand Development: 5 days training to include mandatory Basic Fire Fighting and STCW Elementary First Aid (please see below for further information on Part 2 course syllabus)
Grant funding from Seafish is available to candidates who complete the following:
- find a berth and plan to undertake a minimum of one month’s work on a UK commercial fishing vessel (please see information below about support with this aspect)
- interview with the Seafish Training team
- obtain their Medical Certification to work on fishing vessels called ENG1 (see information below about funding)
Seafood Cornwall Training has more detailed information about these and other courses for new entrants and will support candidates to find berths where they are available. SCT offers Taster Events where you can also find out more. Please contact us.
Course Objectives
Part 1
- Demonstrate proficiency in Sea Survival and Health & Safety
- Understand employment status, pay arrangements and tax and NI responsibilities
- Awareness and understanding of safety equipment required to be carried on board a fishing vessel
- Understand the benefits of wearing a personal flotation device
- Explain the importance of wearing protective equipment onboard
- Describe the fishing methods used in your fishing area and throughout the UK
- Recognise damage to fishing gear and be competent in assisting repairs
- Demonstrate correct manual handling techniques
- Understand how to care for the catch
- Understand regulations relating to marine pollution
- Understand and explain marine protected areas
- Demonstrate how to tie a variety of knots.
Part 2
- Talk about your fishing experiences so far
- Understand the importance of maintaining fishing gear
- Demonstrate how to care for and repair fishing gear
- Develop knots and splices
- Interpret and implement maritime “rules of the road”
- Understand responsibilities of watchkeeping
- Radio communication protocols
- Situation awareness
- Engage in personal development planning
- Complete mandatory first aid course
- Complete mandatory firefighting course
Examination Type
Practical and written exams
Other fees and requirements
To be eligible for Training Grant candidates must complete an application form. Trainees are expected to take up a deckhand role on board a UK commercial fishing vessel after Part 1 Deckhand Preparation. SCT can help you look for jobs.
Candidates will be interviewed by Seafish to assess suitability for grant. Upon completion of a successful interview candidates are required to obtain an ENG1 medical certificate prior to the course start date. This takes some time so please apply soon.
SCT will run a Taster Event on 20 November for you to find out more. Please call to book.
