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NOC 83120: Fishing masters and officers
NOC 83120 is a TEER 3 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW, CEC and FST. It is not on any 2026 category list, so candidates compete in general and program rounds.
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Fishing masters and officers manage and operate saltwater and freshwater fishing vessels greater than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are employed by establishments engaged in operating commercial fishing vessels.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- fishing vessel boatswain
- fishing vessel deck officer
- fishing vessel first mate
- fishing vessel master
- offshore fishing vessel captain
- trawler captain
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Command fishing vessels to catch fish and other marine life
- Determine areas for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses, charts, tables and other aids
- Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids such as echo sounders and chart plotters
- Direct fishing operations and supervise crew activities
- Record fishing progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions on ship's log
- Select and train vessel crews.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
This code is in a trade group the Federal Skilled Trades Program accepts.
CRS points from November 3, 2026
NOC 83120 is on IRCC's high-wage occupations list at the 1.3x level. From November 3, 2026, at least 12 months (1,560 hours) of Canadian work in it adds 20 points to your Canadian work experience points in the CRS, and a valid job offer in it is worth 50 points; the higher of the two counts. No LMIA is needed.
IRCC high-wage list (list from 2023 to 2025 wage data, read 2026-10-16) · CRS calculator with the new rules
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Employment requirements
- Some secondary school education is usually required.
- One to two years of experience as a fishing vessel deckhand is required.
- Captains require one year of service as officer in charge of the watch.
- A Fishing Master's Certificate is required for all occupations in this unit group.
- Marine Emergency Duties Certificate is required by Transport Canada.
- A valid Fishing Vessel Operator Certificate is required for all occupations in this unit group.
- A commercial fishing licence is required.
Good to know
- Completion of Transport Canada examinations is required to advance from Fishing Master Class IV through Class I. Training programs are provided in provincial training centres.
- Progression to merchant or government vessel officer positions (which require a Marine Officer Certificate) is possible with additional training and experience.
Codes in the same group
| NOC | Occupation | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| 83121 | Fishermen/women | 3 |