Commercial Fisher Onboarding Checklist

Commercial Fisher Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Commercial Fisher starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Agriculture onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Commercial Fisher, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Commercial Fisher onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Commercial Fisher Onboarding Checklist

1. Safety Training: This task involves providing comprehensive safety training to the new commercial fisher. It includes educating them about potential hazards, emergency procedures, and the proper use of safety equipment. The company’s safety officer or designated safety personnel typically perform this task to ensure the new hire understands and follows safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries at sea.

2. Vessel Familiarization: In this task, the new commercial fisher is introduced to the company’s fishing vessel. They are given a tour of the vessel, including its various compartments, equipment, and machinery. The vessel’s captain or a senior crew member usually performs this task, explaining the vessel’s layout, safety features, and the location of essential equipment.

3. Gear and Equipment Training: This task involves providing training on the specific gear and equipment used in commercial fishing operations. The new hire is taught how to handle and maintain fishing nets, lines, hooks, and other tools. Experienced crew members or the vessel’s mate typically perform this task, sharing their knowledge and expertise to ensure the new fisher can effectively use the equipment.

4. Fishing Techniques and Practices: This task focuses on teaching the new commercial fisher various fishing techniques and practices specific to the industry. It includes demonstrating how to set and retrieve nets, handle catch, and identify different fish species. Experienced crew members, particularly those with expertise in specific fishing methods, perform this task to pass on their knowledge and skills.

5. Navigation and Chart Reading: The new commercial fisher needs to be familiar with navigation techniques and chart reading to ensure safe and efficient fishing operations. This task involves providing training on using navigational instruments, interpreting charts, and understanding buoy systems. The vessel’s captain or a designated navigation officer typically performs this task, sharing their expertise in maritime navigation.

6. Fishing Regulations and Compliance: Understanding and adhering to fishing regulations is crucial for commercial fishers. This task involves educating the new hire about local, regional, and international fishing regulations, including catch limits, size restrictions, and protected species. The company’s compliance officer or a designated representative typically performs this task, ensuring the new fisher is aware of and complies with all relevant regulations.

7. Emergency Response Training: Commercial fishing can involve unpredictable situations, so it is essential to provide emergency response training to new hires. This task includes teaching them how to respond to emergencies such as fires, man overboard situations, and medical emergencies. The vessel’s captain, along with the crew’s designated safety officer, typically perform this task, ensuring the new fisher is prepared to handle emergencies effectively.

8. Onboard Communication Systems: Familiarizing the new commercial fisher with the vessel’s communication systems is crucial for effective communication during fishing operations. This task involves training them on using radios, satellite phones, and other communication devices. The vessel’s communication officer or an experienced crew member typically performs this task, ensuring the new hire can communicate efficiently while at sea.

9. Fish Handling and Processing: This task involves training the new commercial fisher on proper fish handling and processing techniques to maintain the quality of the catch. It includes teaching them how to sort, clean, and store fish, as well as basic fish processing methods. Experienced crew members, particularly those with expertise in fish handling and processing, perform this task, sharing their knowledge and best practices.

10. Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: Commercial fishers play a vital role in preserving marine ecosystems and practicing sustainable fishing methods. This task involves educating the new hire about environmental awareness, including the importance of minimizing bycatch, reducing waste, and protecting endangered species. The company’s environmental officer or a designated representative typically performs this task, ensuring the new fisher understands their responsibility towards sustainable fishing practices

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Commercial Fisher checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Commercial Fisher up to speed and working well in your Agriculture team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.