NOC 84121Fishing vessel deckhands

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

NOC 84121 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Fishing vessel deckhands. It is classified TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training, which does not meet the skill requirement for Express Entry's federal programs. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: No
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural resources & agriculture

8 › 84 › 841 › 8412

Definition

Fishing vessel deckhands perform a variety of manual tasks on commercial fishing voyages, and maintain fishing vessels. They are employed by establishments that operate commercial fishing vessels and by self-employed fishermen/women.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Prepare nets, lines and other fishing tackle, and operate fishing gear to catch fish and other marine life
Sort, return protected species to the water, clean and pack fish in ice and stow catch in hold
Repair nets, splice ropes and maintain fishing gear and other deck equipment
Clean deck surfaces and fish hold
Handle anchors and mooring lines during docking and undocking procedures
May steer vessels to and from fishing areas
May prepare and cook meals for crew members.

Example job titles

•fishing vessel crewman/woman
•fishing vessel deckhand
•fishing vessel icer
•fishing vessel netmender
•seiner deckhand
•trawlerman/woman

Track the latest Express Entry and Québec draws →

Overview

Under Canada's NOC 2021 system, Fishing Vessel Deckhands are classified under NOC code 84121 as part of TEER 4. Individuals in this occupation perform a variety of manual tasks on board commercial fishing vessels to assist in harvesting fish, shellfish, and other marine life. Key duties include preparing nets, lines, and fishing gear, operating harvesting equipment, and cleaning, sorting, and packing the catch. They are also responsible for performing routine vessel maintenance and ensuring deck equipment is kept clean and safe under the supervision of the ship's skipper.

Employment requirements for NOC 84121 usually include some secondary school education, with practical on-the-job training typically provided. Depending on the region and vessel type, regulatory bodies may require Transport Canada certifications, such as Marine Emergency Duties (MED) or Marine First Aid. Because TEER 4 occupations are vital to regional industries, candidates may qualify for Canadian permanent residency through programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or various Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams tailored to semi-skilled agricultural and natural resource sectors.

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

Check program eligibility →

Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 84121 eligible for Express Entry?

Not for Express Entry's federal skilled programs — Fishing vessel deckhands is TEER 4, and TEER 4–5 occupations don't meet that skill level. Provincial streams and other pathways may still be open; run the eligibility check to see which.

What education or training does NOC 84121 usually require?

Fishing vessel deckhands is classified as TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

Get the next draw in your inbox

One short email when IRCC publishes a new Express Entry draw — the cutoff, invitations, and what it means. Roughly every two weeks. No spam, ever.

By subscribing you consent to receive draw-alert emails from ScoreRoute Canada. Every email includes a one-click unsubscribe. See our privacy policy for details.

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