Ever wondered what it’s really like to work in the fishing industry?
Join us for a Deckhand Discovery Day — a short, hands-on introduction to the
fishing industry and the many careers that support it, both at sea and onshore.
Whether you’re curious about life on deck, passionate about marine environments,
or simply exploring new career opportunities, this is your chance to experience the
industry up close.
Date: Wednesday 18th February
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Brixham quay
Book your place on this FREE event by emailingoffice@swfpo.org.uk
What to Expect
Take a guided market tour
Explore the seafood market environment, understand how catch moves from boat to
buyer, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the wider supply chain.
Step aboard working fishing vessels
See first-hand how modern fishing boats operate and what day-to-day life at sea is
really like.
Meet skilled skippers and crew
Hear real stories, ask questions, and learn what it takes to start a career at sea.
Learn about fishing gear and maintenance
Get an introduction to common fishing gear — including trawls, pots, nets and lines
— and learn the basics of keeping equipment safe, functional and sea-ready.
Learn about training and next steps
Find out what qualifications you’ll need, how to access training, and the pathways
available if you choose to take your interest further.
Discover onshore career paths
It’s not only about life at sea. Explore roles in:
- Seafood processing
- Engineering and maintenance
- Logistics and supply chain
- Seafood sustainability and science
- Harbour operations
- Crew welfare
- …and more
Who Is It For?
✔ Anyone considering a career in the fishing or wider marine sector
✔ Year 10+ students, school leavers and career changers
✔ People who enjoy hands-on, outdoor work
Why attend?
- Learn about a hands-on, rewarding, and essential industry
- Discover marine career paths you may not have considered
- Understand what training and qualifications are needed — and how to get
- started
- Speak directly with skippers, crew, onshore professionals and training
- providers
- Explore roles both at sea and on land
- Decide whether a career connected to the marine environment is right for you
No experience needed — just sensible, sturdy footwear and enthusiasm.
