Deckhand

[Fisherman120]

I'm just curious to know what exactly are the certifications needed for somebody to be at the least a deckhand on a party boat? I've given it a lot of thought over the past few years but I have absolutely no prior boating experience whatsoever pretty much. Not good with knots, filleting, etc so I would need to really crack down on that. I figure you would need to have your able seaman certification, what else?

[fellinger]

For a mate position not much. Most capt's are looking for someone who is friendly, hard working, and knowledgeable of the species being targeted. Obviously basic seamanship is a plus. I know a lot will train the right person. That's how it was when I got into being a mate when I was teenager.

Just show up and be persistent. I fished the same boat each year and consistently. The crew got to know me. I would help cut bait on the way out, chat with the mates and capt and helped clean up. They eventually offered me a job on their whale watching trip that they were short on the next day. Bang.... job