Apprenticeship training course

Fisher (level 2)

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Information about Fisher (level 2)

Harvest fish and shellfish.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • Personal safety equipment including life rafts, life rings, wet weather gear, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) and floatation device requirements. How to report defects or request replacements.
  • Conditions required to go to sea. The impact that forecast weather conditions have on preparations and how to obtain weather and sea information using software applications.
  • Food and water supply requirements for the length of the trip.
  • Safety checks, stowage, and maintenance requirements of boat safety equipment. Including: life rafts, life rings, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).
  • Basic engine checks: oil, water level checks and fuel required for the length of trip.
  • The material requirements for repairs to fishing gear at sea and how to check the condition of fishing gear for damage.
  • Quantity and safe stowage requirements for ice, depending on the fishery or type of boat.
  • Refrigeration equipment operational checks.
  • Common hydraulic faults, defects, and identification methods.
  • Procedures to ensure the safe shooting and hauling of fishing gear and the importance of being in the correct position on board the boat.
  • Species identification and how to sort and grade them for processing or return them to the sea in line with fisheries legislation.
  • Technical conservation measures and their impact on the long-term sustainability of fishing stocks.
  • Catch information and reporting requirements. How to estimate the weight of each species and the importance of accuracy.
  • Processing requirements for each species: gutting, head off, whole, nicking, banding claws.
  • Catch storage requirements to maintain quality.
  • Common problems with the boat and how to identify them. For example, mechanical, electrical, watertight integrity, health and safety issues.
  • The procedures for safely navigating and keeping watch when at sea. Including, latitude and longitude, steering by compass, position fixing, buoyage.
  • The (Maritime Regulations) ‘rules of the road’ such as passing port to port and movement to and from port.
  • Modern and traditional navigational technology: GPS, radar, auto pilot bridge navigation equipment, compass.
  • Methods to tie up a boat depending on its size, location and the tide (including quayside and alongside another vessel).
  • The knots and lengths of rope required to safely moor a boat.
  • The operating requirements and terminology used to communicate with other boats and the coastguard using a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio. And how to issue a distress call.
  • Safety procedures: man overboard, anchor, and fire drills.
  • Requirements for safely unloading and transporting the catch to market whilst ensuring the quality of the catch is maintained.
  • Housekeeping requirements at sea: the need to keep the work and living areas clean and free from obstruction and to practice good hygiene when preparing food.
  • Climate change and the environmental impact of pollution on the fishing industry.
  • Mental and physical health support services available.

  Skills

  • 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.

  Behaviours

  • Prioritises health and safety when completing tasks.
  • Considers sustainability throughout the end to end fishing process.
  • Acts with honesty and integrity and takes responsibility for own actions.
  • Proactively adapts to changing situations/ conditions.
  • Team worker. For example, polite, keeps others informed, helps colleagues, takes account of equality and diversity.
  • Seeks learning and development opportunities.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Qualification level: 2; Equal to GCSE
• Course duration: 18 months
• Maximum funding: £10,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Fisher
  • Fisherman
  • Fisherperson
  • Commercial Fisher
  • Sea Fisherman
  • Sea Fisher

View more information about Fisher (level 2) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.