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Fishing Boat Captain
Outdoor & AdventureYou captain a fishing boat, which is either a charter operation entertaining tourists or a commercial vessel where the work is dangerous, the hours are insane, and the sea doesn't care about your schedule. Deadliest Catch isn't exaggerating by much — commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. But the ocean, the independence, and the catch keep you coming back.
Salary Range
Low
$30k
Median
$55k
High
$100k
10-Year Growth
average
US Workers
27K
Education
USCG Captain's license (OUPV or Master) + years of sea time
Environment
outdoor
Tools & Technical Skills
- ▸Marine navigation (GPS, charts, radar, depth sounders)
- ▸USCG captain's license (OUPV or Master)
- ▸Fish species identification and seasonal patterns
- ▸Net, trap, and line fishing gear operation
- ▸Marine engine operation and basic repair
- ▸Maritime safety equipment and emergency protocols
People & Mindset Skills
- ▸Weather judgment
- ▸Leadership and crew management
- ▸Physical endurance
- ▸Patience and persistence
- ▸Customer service (charter fishing)
What you'll actually do
- 01Navigate to fishing grounds using sonar, charts, and experience passed down from generations
- 02Manage a crew that's exhausted, seasick, and working with equipment that can take a finger
- 03Maintain the vessel and equipment because breakdowns at sea aren't like breakdowns on land
- 04Track regulations on catch limits, seasons, and sizes that change more often than the tides
- 05Deal with weather decisions where 'should we go out today' is sometimes a life-or-death question
- 06Handle charter clients who've never been on a boat and get seasick before you leave the harbor
Related Shifts
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