Apprentice Fishing Boat Captain

Job Description

Job Description

Apprentice Captain - 95’ Tuna Fishing Boat

The advertisement will expire within a week but the role is likely still open - if interested please jot down our contact info as we are going to move this ad around until we find the right person for our team! stjudevessel@gmail.com

Looking for adventure? Want a career on the ocean where you can make a real impact? We’re a family-run, sustainable tuna fishing company looking for an Apprentice Captain to train under an experienced skipper.

This is a chance to build a career on the water — learning leadership, seamanship, and engineering — while working in one of the most unique industries in America.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vessel Operations: Assist the Captain with daily navigation, watch standing, and general vessel operations. You will learn to plan voyages, interpret weather data, and handle vessel communications.

• Fishing Operations: Work alongside the crew during fishing activities, including deploying and retrieving fishing gear (jigs). You will be trained in advanced fish-locating techniques and gear maintenance.

• Onboard Processing: Participate in the quick and efficient processing, freezing, and storage of the catch to ensure a top-quality product.

• Safety and Maintenance: Support the Captain in enforcing safety protocols for all crew members. You'll also learn routine engineering tasks and assist with maintaining the vessel's equipment.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Captain and crew, maintaining a positive and cooperative attitude throughout the long trips at sea.

Job Details & Lifestyle:

• Live-Aboard Commitment: This is a full-time, live-aboard position. You will live on the boat for the duration of each 60-90 day trip.

• All Expenses Covered: Your room and board, including all food and living expenses while on the vessel, will be fully covered by the company.

• Hands-On Training: Our experienced captain will train you in all aspects of commercial fishing, from advanced navigation and engineering to fish-locating skills and safety protocols.

What You’ll Get

• One-on-one mentorship from a veteran skipper

• Seasonal work with competitive crew share (equal portion of the trip earnings after boat expenses) and all expenses paid living

• Hands-on experience in sustainable, small-boat commercial fishing

• A career path that could take you from deckhand to captain

What We Need to Get Started:

• Experience: Some prior experience with fishing or maritime activities is preferred.

• Navigation Skills: A basic understanding of navigation, charts, and GPS is preferred.

• Physical Stamina: Must be able to handle the physical demands of long-term work at sea, including lifting and working in all weather conditions.

• Attitude: Eager to learn, reliable, and able to work well in a close-knit crew environment.

This isn’t an office job. It’s a life on the water — challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable.

Company DescriptionWe are a sustainable tuna trolling fishery. We fish North and South Pacifc. We are looking for a crewmember that wants to learn the fishery and mechanics etc... The job offered is that of apprentice Captain for the F/V St. Jude, a 95 foot albacore tuna troller.

Experience and qualification required.

US citizen
US passport
some sea time
knowledge of navigation
drill instructor certification
CPR and First aid certification
Good Health
Good organization and paperwork skills
Insurable as a Captain
Ability to comit to long trips (90 days offshore)
Sober and drug free

Desirable attributes
Patience
Diesel Mechanic training
General boat maintenance experience
Scuba training
Team player
Good work ethic
Respect for foreign cultures
No family dependents

Company Description

We are a sustainable tuna trolling fishery. We fish North and South Pacifc. We are looking for a crewmember that wants to learn the fishery and mechanics etc... The job offered is that of apprentice Captain for the F/V St. Jude, a 95 foot albacore tuna troller.\r\n\r\nExperience and qualification required.\r\n\r\nUS citizen\r\nUS passport\r\nsome sea time\r\nknowledge of navigation\r\ndrill instructor certification\r\nCPR and First aid certification\r\nGood Health\r\nGood organization and paperwork skills\r\nInsurable as a Captain\r\nAbility to comit to long trips (90 days offshore)\r\nSober and drug free\r\n\r\nDesirable attributes\r\nPatience\r\nDiesel Mechanic training\r\nGeneral boat maintenance experience\r\nScuba training\r\nTeam player\r\nGood work ethic\r\nRespect for foreign cultures\r\nNo family dependents