Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Working Life

A deckhand's work and time at sea depend on the type of vessel they serve on. Inshore boats are small, operate close to shore, and usually return to harbour the same day, while larger offshore or freeser vessels may travel to distant grounds and stay at sea for several weeks at a time. Crews also spend time ashore maintaining gear and carrying out routine vessel repairs.

Deckhands typically work as part of a small, close-knit crew. The job is physically demanding and involves:

• preparing and hauling fishing gear,
• sorting and storing the catch,
• maintaining equipment,
• keeping the deck safe and tidy.

The work often requires early starts, long hours, and dealing with challenging Atlantic and Irish Sea weather. Despite the demands, deckhands play an essential role in Ireland's fishing sector and gain valuable seamanship skills, teamwork experience, and the potential to progress to more senior positions at sea.

The most common tasks are maintaining and operating on-deck equipment plus keeping the vessel tidy. A deckhand will often assist with the

• maintenance of boats/vessels,
• rigs tow lines,
• open and closes gates and ramps, 
• pulls guard chains across entries.

Roles and Duties

Fishing Operations Crew Member: Helps prepare, set, and haul the fishing gear and handles the catch on deck.

Deck & Vessel Maintenance Crew: Keeps the deck clean and safe and helps with small repairs like fixing nets or ropes.

Safety & Emergency Support: Follows safety rules, joins safety drills, and helps in emergencies when told.

Watchkeeping Assistant: Keeps lookout and may help steer the vessel under supervision.

Quality & Hygiene Crew Member: Handles and stores fish properly and helps keep work areas hygienic.

Galley / Domestic Support: Helps with simple cooking and cleaning shared areas when needed.

Engineering Assistant (limited, under supervision): Helps with basic engine checks and simple mechanical tasks when asked.

Deckhands are not responsible for maintenance of the engine or other complex systems, such as communications, which are the responsibility of engineers and technicians. But many of the significant actions undertaken by the vessel, such as loading and docking, will involve the deck crew.

On voyages with passengers, they are responsible for the health and safety of the passengers. Depending on their duties they may work above or below deck, but very often they will be outdoors on the deck.

While at sea, deckhands have to wear a variety of safety equipment.

Skills that benefit the role of Deckhand

1. Seamanship: Handling ropes, nets, lines, and fishing gear safely and efficiently.
2. Safety & teamwork: Following safety rules, working with the crew, and responding to emergencies.
3. Technical know-how: Understanding basic vessel equipment, engines, and helping with maintenance.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Tie barges together into tow units for tugboats to handle, inspecting barges periodically during voyages and disconnecting them when destinations are reached.
• Attach hoses and operate pumps to transfer substances to and from liquid cargo tanks.
• Handle lines to moor vessels to wharfs, to tie up vessels to other vessels, or to rig towing lines.
• Read pressure and temperature gauges or displays and record data in engineering logs.
• Stand watch in ships' bows or bridge wings to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids, such as buoys or lighthouses.
• Maintain government-issued certifications, as required.
• Examine machinery to verify specified pressures or lubricant flows.
• Maintain a ship's engines under the direction of the ship's engineering officers.
• Break out, rig, and stow cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, or running gear.
• Lubricate machinery, equipment, or engine parts, such as gears, shafts, or bearings.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

A deckhand is someone who works on a ship and performs various tasks, such as mooring, anchoring, cleaning, maintenance, and assisting the crew. A deckhand may need to have different types of training or licenses, depending on the type and size of the ship, the area of operation, and the duties assigned. A deckhand can also advance in their career by taking training courses and gaining more experience and qualifications. Working as a deckhand can be a rewarding and challenging way to start a career in the maritime industry.

A mix of practical skills, personal qualities, and the right training is needed to work safely and effectively as a deckhand.

Training can be pursued through The National Maritime Fisheries College of Ireland.

Deckhand Foundation Programme

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)     runs a Deckhand Foundation Programme at National Fisheries College of Ireland (NFCI), Greencastle, Co. Donegal.

Duration: 6-week full-time course

Skills covered: net/rope work, catch care, basic marine-engine operations, safety, sustainability, and core deck skills

Certifications included: STCW (Personal Survival, First Aid, Fire Safety, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities), GMDSS Short Range Radio, fish-handling, food safety, sustainability and environmental management awareness.

Entry requirements: 16+, not in full-time education, interest in fishing, teamwork ability, English proficiency, valid medical certificate (ENG11).

Support: Grant-eligible through BIM.

On-the-job traineeships: Some inshore fishing companies offer on-the-job traineeships, where you join as a deckhand trainee and learn practical skills. Training may include basic safety, sea survival, and catch handling, often supplemented by local accredited courses or short BIM-approved modules. 

Key Skill Certs: 

• Manual Handling 
• First Aid 
• Fire Safety at Sea
• Life Saving Techniques
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Short Range Certificate
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Restricted Operators Certificate 

In Line with The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention Regulation 1/14, and section A-1/14, of the STCW Code, companies must ensure that seafarers assigned to any of their ships have received refresher and update training as required by the convention Seafarers.ie    

Health & Safety and First Aid courses are often provided in local Training Centres or through ETBs. Search ETB courses through our FET CourseFinder 

Sample Entry and Training Timeline

Start Your Journey

Time: 0-6 weeks

• Complete the BIM Deckhand Foundation Programme.
• Gain essential safety and radio certificates (STCW, first aid, firefighting, personal safety).
• Become eligible to work as a deckhand aboard fishing vessels.

Develop Your Expertise

Time: 6 weeks - 2 years (first sea jobs)

• Gain hands-on experience aboard fishing vessels.
• Work in nets, gear handling, catch care, and deck maintenance.
• Build practical seamanship skills and adapt to the demands of life at sea.

Progress to Experienced Deckhand/Senior Roles

Time: 2-5 years

• With experience and additional training, take on more responsibility on deck (lead tasks, supervise junior crew).
• Begin specialised training in areas like navigation, vessel maintenance, or safety leadership.

Advance to Mate, Skipper, or Shore-Based Roles

Time: 5+ years

• Eligible for promotion to mate, train as a skipper or transition to shore-based roles such as vessel engineering, fisheries compliance, or aquaculture operations.
• Additional certifications and extensive sea-time are usually required for advanced roles.

*This timeline is for illustrative purposes only and vary depending on experience and training. Trainees must be 16 years of age.  See entry requirements for gaining skipper qualifications in BIM’s prospectus.

Sample Education and Training Pathways

A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: transport, distribution, logistics, engineering.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: aquaculture, fishing, transport, engineering  

Search for PLC Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed that may provide training related to this career. 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €44k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location. 

Fishing crew are normally paid a share of the catch. Rates depend on number of crew, and crew members rank. Deckhands on luxury craft will generally earn the highest wages. 

Data Source(s):
Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Employment/Indeed

Last Updated: December, 2025

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Following some fluctuations in the intervening years, employment in 2024 returned to 2019 levels (declining by 2,600 persons since 2023). Combined, van drivers and bus/coach drivers accounted for approximately three quarters of employment in this occupation with the remainder being train/tram drivers and air/rail/marine transport operatives. Over a third in this occupation were aged 55 years or older which will likely lead to increased replacement demand in the coming years.

Despite the fall in employment, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating a high level of job churn. There was also a relatively large volume of vacancy posts on DSP Jobs Ireland for bus and coach drivers, driven by significant recruitment campaigns by Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus. In addition, there was a small number of employment permits issued for bus and coach drivers.

Issues with recruitment for this occupation relate to bus and coach drivers only; expansion of bus services nationwide is also fuelling increasing demand and although there has been significant recruitment of drivers recently, turnover and replacement are resulting in a continuation of shortages.

Skills shortage:

Bus and coach drivers

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
  • Click Here

• Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

  • Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 607 2000 Lo Call 1890 200 510
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Martimtime Development Office

  • Three Park Place Upper Hatch Street Dublin 2 D02 FX65
  • 01 775 39 00
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here