Fisher Apprentice

Summary

Learning the tasks involved in being a competent deckhand on a fishing vessel that spend multiple days at sea for a fishing trip, including - sorting the catch by identifying species and preparing them for cold storage, clearing the fishing gear of debris and operating deck machinery.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Starting rate is £7.55, but this will be reviewed over the 18 month apprenticeship period.

Training course

Fisher (level 2)

Hours

Days will be dependent on weather conditions and early morning starts will be expected (including 12-hour days on board the vessel, rest days and block release college sessions). Exact shifts TBC

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

4

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Carry out personal safety checks
Check weather and sea conditions
Prepare the boat for sea
Carry out safety checks and prepare deck and storage areas
Shoot, haul and clear fish and/or shellfish using a range of fishing gears
Maintain a stable and safe deck, working area and living space.
Land and sort the catch. Identify species
Assist with preparing meals and cleaning
Release fish in line with regulations and quota requirements
Process and store the catch using ice and refrigeration to maintain a quality product
Troubleshoot to address problems with the boat and fishing gear
Carry out ropework and line handling for mooring and berthing
Carry out and take part in safety drills, to ensure safe working boat and crew
Unload the catch and take to market

Where you'll work

Greendale Business Park
Woodbury Salterton
Exeter
EX5 1EW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE

Your training course

Fisher (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Check personal safety equipment for defects (including personal floatation device, wet weather gear and personal locator beacon).
Check and acquire adequate food and water supplies for the length the trip.
Carry out an inspection of the boat to ensure that safety equipment is in place, and check the engine maintenance record.
Check that the deck is clear of obstructions and equipment is stowed away safely.
Check ice is suitable for the length of trip.
Inspect refrigeration/ storage facilities to ensure that it is operating correctly.
Inspect hydraulic pipes for defects. Report findings.
Prepare and shoot fishing gear.
Prepare for and haul fishing gear.
Identify the fish or shellfish species and sort them for processing. Release fish or shellfish in line with regulations.
Estimate the weight of each species. Record the information and submit to the Skipper.
Process species correctly (fish or shellfish). Store them to ensure quality.
Identify and resolve problems with the boat and fishing gear (within level of authority).
Keep watch and navigate the boat at sea (within level of authority), in line with Maritime Regulations (‘the rules of the road’).
Navigate the boat using GPS, radar and auto pilot bridge navigation equipment (within level of authority).
Tie up the boat taking into account the tide and weather conditions.
Communicate with other stations or boats using VHF radio.
Issue a distress alert.
Follow safety procedures: man overboard, anchor drills, fire drills.
Unload the catch for transport to market whilst maintaining catch quality.
Prepare food for the crew and maintain cleanliness of living area.
Check personal safety equipment for defects (including personal floatation device, wet weather gear and personal locator beacon).
Check and acquire adequate food and water supplies for the length the trip.
Carry out an inspection of the boat to ensure that safety equipment is in place, and check the engine maintenance record.
Check that the deck is clear of obstructions and equipment is stowed away safely.
Check ice is suitable for the length of trip.
Inspect refrigeration/ storage facilities to ensure that it is operating correctly.
Inspect hydraulic pipes for defects. Report findings.
Prepare and shoot fishing gear.
Prepare for and haul fishing gear.
Identify the fish or shellfish species and sort them for processing. Release fish or shellfish in line with regulations.
Estimate the weight of each species. Record the information and submit to the Skipper.
Process species correctly (fish or shellfish). Store them to ensure quality.
Identify and resolve problems with the boat and fishing gear (within level of authority).
Keep watch and navigate the boat at sea (within level of authority), in line with Maritime Regulations (‘the rules of the road’).
Navigate the boat using GPS, radar and auto pilot bridge navigation equipment (within level of authority).
Tie up the boat taking into account the tide and weather conditions.
Communicate with other stations or boats using VHF radio.
Issue a distress alert.
Follow safety procedures: man overboard, anchor drills, fire drills.
Unload the catch for transport to market whilst maintaining catch quality.
Prepare food for the crew and maintain cleanliness of living area.

Your training plan

Fisher Level 2.

You will spend one week at South Devon College and six weeks with your employer.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 2)
Maths (grade 2)

Other in:

Fishing - on a fishing vessel (grade TBC at a later date)
Medical Assessment (grade Pass)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Problem solving skills
Team working
Determination
Energetic
Safety awareness

Other requirements

Sea sickness, physical fitness and determination. Working in cold and wet weather. Adventurous spirit.

About this company

Waterdance is a family-owned fishing company and is part of the Greendale Group. We have over 20 boats based in Devon and Cornwall including beam trawlers, netters, and potters. Our boats land regularly at Brixham, Newlyn, Salcombe and Exmouth. These ports provide direct access to the western channel where clean deep waters and strong currents create the perfect environment for world class seafood. Sustainable fishing methods ensure that these stocks remain intact.

http://waterdance.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Potential to join a crew permanently if successful. We run the most modern fleet in South-West England with new vessels built regularly.

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