Fishers

High School

There probably are not many classes offered at your high school that will involve you working directly with fishing and boats, especially if you live far from the water. But there are courses that can give you background for the career. Geography and history will teach you about the climates and industry of various fishing villages and port cities around the world; in biology class, you will learn about marine life. Agriculture courses may also include units about the fishing industry. Take shop courses, as you may be required to repair your fishing machinery. Business courses will prepare you for record keeping and accounting details of self-employment.

Postsecondary Training

Fishers learn their skills through experience on the job. Certain academic courses, however, can help prepare workers for their first job. Some high schools, colleges, and technical schools in port cities offer useful courses in handling boats and fishing equipment, biology, meteorology, navigation, and marketing. Associate's degree and certificate programs in fishery technologies, commercial fishing, and aquaculture (the commercial raising of fish and other marine life) are also available at some community colleges, such as Bellingham Technical College (Washington); Mt. Hood Community College (Oregon); and Morrisville State College (New York). Some four-year schools also offer bachelor’s degrees; for example, the University of Rhode Island offers a bachelor’s degree in aquaculture and fisheries technology. These programs usually combine course work and hands-on experience in the fishing industry.

Certification

Technical and community colleges and professional associations offer certificate programs in commercial fishing, aquaculture, fishery technologies, and related fields. These programs typically last six months to a year. Such programs are a good way to build your skills without enrolling in a degree program.

Other Education or Training

Experienced fishers often take short-term courses offered by postsecondary schools. These programs provide information on electronic navigation and communications equipment and the latest improvements in fishing gear. Professional associations at the state and local levels also provide continuing education opportunities.