5 Day Deckhand Preparation - Part 1

Course details

This 5 Day Deckhand Preparation course is for entry level candidates to the commercial fishing industry. Covering core skills required to become a deck hand and the mandatory requirements to work on a UK fishing vessel. This course consists of theory and practical topics, you will cover the basics in sea survival and health & safety, as well as, learning new skills and knowledge.

The course objectives are as follows:

· Demonstrate proficiency in Sea Survival and Basic Health & Safety for New Entrants.

· Understand employment status, pay arrangements and responsibility for tax and NI.

· List the main safety equipment required to be carried on a fishing vessel.

· Explain the benefits of wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

· Explain the importance of Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) on board a fishing vessel.

· Describe the fishing methods used in your area and the UK, list the species caught and explain how to care for the catch.

· Recognise deficiencies / damage to fishing gear and be a competent assistant in their repair.

· Be able to demonstrate correct manual handling techniques.

· Understand the regulations regarding marine pollution and responsibility towards the environment.

· Explain marine protected areas.

· Demonstrate how to tie a variety of knots, including Clove Hitch, Bowline, Sheet Bend, Double Sheet Bend, Stopper Knot, Round turn and two half hitches.

· Demonstrate how to form an eye splice, back splice and a short splice in 3 strand rope.

· Explain the importance of minimum landing sizes, sustainability and catch recording.

· Understand ILO 118 and work agreements.

· Understand their personal responsibilities when preparing for sea.

This is part one of a two part deckhand course, please see the description of the 5 Day Deckhand Development course - Part 2, to understand the progression of this course.