83120

Fishing masters and officers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural resources & agriculture

8 › 83 › 831 › 8312

Definition

Fishing masters and officers manage and operate saltwater and freshwater fishing vessels greater than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are employed by establishments engaged in operating commercial fishing vessels.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Command fishing vessels to catch fish and other marine life
Determine areas for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses, charts, tables and other aids
Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids such as echo sounders and chart plotters
Direct fishing operations and supervise crew activities
Record fishing progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions on ship's log
Select and train vessel crews.

Example job titles

•fishing vessel boatswain
•fishing vessel deck officer
•fishing vessel first mate
•fishing vessel master
•offshore fishing vessel captain
•trawler captain

Overview

NOC 83120 (Fishing masters and officers) is classified under TEER 3 of Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system. Professionals in this unit group command and operate fishing vessels to harvest fish and other marine life, direct fishing operations, and manage crew members. Typical job titles include fishing master, fishing vessel skipper, and trawler captain, with employment primarily found within the commercial fishing industry.

To qualify for Canadian immigration under NOC 83120, candidates must satisfy specific educational and licensing requirements. Most positions require several years of experience as a fishing vessel deckhand, combined with Transport Canada certification, such as a Fishing Master certificate of competency. As a TEER 3 occupation, skilled workers in this category may be eligible for key Canadian immigration programs, including the Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class), the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official immigration guidance, consult a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or legal expert.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.