Training
Training
What training will I need?
Before starting work on a UK-registered commercial fishing vessel, you must complete the following four one-day safety training courses.
Basic Sea Survival must be completed before going to sea for the first time. The other three courses must be completed within three months of starting work.
Basic sea survival – Must be completed before starting work
First aid – Must be completed within 3 months of starting work
Fire fighting and prevention – Must be completed within 3 months of starting work
Health and safety – Must be completed within 3 months of starting work
1-day Safety Awareness – must be completed when you have been working for two years
Apply!
Funding Training
If you are a new entrant to the industry and have already found a berth on a vessel that is a member of the SWFPO, get in touch to find out how we might be able to fund your courses.
Introduction to Commercial Fishing course
Alternatively, you might also consider taking the 3-week Introduction to Commercial Fishing* course, which includes the four one-day courses listed above.
What if I'm already an experienced fisherman?
We are able to support experienced fishermen looking to enhance their skills and qualifications, and can help with accessing appropriate training grants.
Man overboard awareness events: a series of training events to make those working on fishing vessels more aware of the dangers of man overboard incidents and the importance of functioning PFDs.
Check out here for further information and date of next available courses.
Our comprehensive membership package supports vessel owners, providing access to the latest information, advice and guidance on all aspects of safety on fishing vessels.
Funding is available via Seafish for fishermen in the UK (not only UK nationals) to improve their skills and safety knowledge. SWFPO also has funding available in addition to funds available via the NFFO Training Trust Fund, which is used to support our members and their crews.
Apprenticeships
Fishers Apprenticeship
Available at South Devon College
18 month apprenticeship with block release at College and an end point assessment. On completion, apprentices can apply for their 16.5m Skipper Ticket via Seafish
The course covers all mandatory safety training courses but essential skills required to work on a commercial fishing vessel, for example, fish identification/ handling/ grading, knife skills, net mending/ fishing gear construction, financial management, introduction to sustainable fishing
Fishers Traineeship
Available at South Devon College
This is perfect for those interested in a career in the fishing industry, to give a taste of life as a commercial fisherman involved in the sustainable harvesting of fish and shellfish ahead of a more formal apprenticeship. The traineeship is 7 weeks in duration, including 3 weeks at college and 4 weeks work experience onboard a variety of commercial fishing vessels.
A Fisher Trainee will learn essential skills required to work on a commercial fishing vessel, for example, fish identification/ handling/ grading, knife skills, net mending/ fishing gear construction, financial management, introduction to sustainable fishing.