Fishing deckhand vacancies in Belgium
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As a fishing deckhand, you work in coastal or sea fishing, catching and processing fish out on the water. Also known as a fisherman, coastal fishing sailor or deep-sea fishing crew member, you handle the mooring and casting off of the vessel, set out and haul in the nets and sort the catch on deck. You prepare the fish for storage, repair fishing gear and carry out daily maintenance on the ship and its equipment. When something goes wrong, you take emergency measures during an incident. Throughout, you respect the rules for hygiene, safety and the environment. In Belgium this is an outdoor, physically demanding job at the crossroads of nature, technique and working with the produce of the sea.
Typical tasks
- Handle the mooring and casting off of the vessel
- Set out and haul in the fishing nets
- Sort the catch on deck
- Prepare the fish for storage
- Repair fishing gear and equipment
- Carry out daily maintenance on the ship
- Take emergency measures during an incident and work with care for the environment
Required skills
- Basic maritime safety and survival at sea training
- Strong physical fitness for hard work in all weather
- Comfortable being at sea for long stretches
- Team spirit and reliability in a small crew
- Practical knowledge of nets, gear and daily ship maintenance
What does a fishing deckhand earn?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19–€28 gross per hour. Many crews are paid partly on the value of the catch, so income can vary with the season and the trip. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a fishing deckhand do?
A fishing deckhand works in coastal or sea fishing, catching and processing fish. You moor and cast off the vessel, set out and haul in the nets, sort the catch and prepare the fish for storage. You repair fishing gear, carry out daily maintenance on the ship and take emergency measures during an incident, always respecting the rules for hygiene, safety and the environment.
How much does a fishing deckhand earn in Belgium?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19–€28 gross per hour. Many crews are paid partly on the value of the catch, so income can vary with the season and the trip. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need to become a fishing deckhand?
You do not need a long diploma to start, but basic maritime safety and survival at sea training is required to work on a fishing vessel. A medical fitness check for sea work is also standard. Practical experience with nets, gear and ship maintenance is built up on board, and further certificates open the way to more responsible roles in the crew.
Can you start as a fishing deckhand without experience?
Yes, many deckhands begin without prior experience and learn the trade on board. What matters most is physical fitness, reliability and being comfortable at sea for long stretches. After the required safety training you start with simpler deck tasks and gradually take on net handling, sorting and maintenance as you gain sea time and confidence.
What can you grow into from a fishing deckhand role?
With experience and further certificates you can become a leading deckhand, helmsman and eventually a fishing vessel skipper who commands the ship and coordinates the catch. The outdoor, technical and hands-on nature of the work also connects to related trades. Roles such as animal breeder, forestry machine operator or timber construction carpenter show the kind of physical outdoor work that suits this profile.
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