Do you have what it takes to be a fishing observer?
Fishing observers are organic technicians trained by professionals who help ensure sustainable fishing in American waters by:
- Data collection on what is captured and what is thrown by American commercial fisheries and operators
- Follow -up of accessories for marine mammals, sea turtles and other protected species
- Gather critical biological and ecological information on the captures and profit capture
- Support regulations on the security and compliance of peaches.
Observers can spend days, weeks and even months at sea. Their work brings them to almost all parts of American waters (and beyond), from the Hawaiian islands to the Gulf of Maine. The work is intense, but few other career opportunities offer the same level of practical experience by working with such geographically diverse ecosystems.
Why become a fishing observer?
There are many reasons why people choose to become a fishing observer. Whether making it a career or a springboard on your career path, observation offers many exciting opportunities, such as the chance of:
- Acquire practical and practical experience in the identification and manipulation of marine species
- Prerequisite by collecting critical data on species of protected species
- Travel the world and experience magnificent and distant ocean ecosystems, like the sea of Bering
- Observe interesting species, such as ocean sun fish, beak whales and Atlantic Wolffish
- Go into data management and fisheries management positions supporting Noaa fisheries and other agencies
- Contribute to a wider mission to ensure healthy and sustainable American fisheries for future generations
- Develop demonstrable and transferable skills, including cultural consciousness, problem solving, conflict solving, verbal and written communication and pressure work
How to become a fishing observer?
NOAA fishing observers are used by providers ‘providers' providers. These companies hold contracts with or are certified by the Noaa fisheries to recruit, hire and deploy observers. To become a fishing observer, you must apply through one of these private Observer supplier companies.
All fishing observers are based on one of the five regions:
- Grand Atlantic
- Pacific North
- Pacific islands
- Southeast
- West coast
Each region certifies or contracts with their various private observer societies. Some regions also have specialized programs that focus on specific species or fisheries, such as swordfish or tuna.
You can see the Complete list of private observers companies For each region, find their contact details and obtain job requests.
Demand process
The time between a candidate submitting a request for a fishing observer and rises on a fishing container for his first trip can be weeks or months. Keep this in mind when browsing the application and training processes. Although the requirements vary according to the programs, most candidates for the selected observer must follow the following steps before being deployed on a ship:
- Complete the job application process
- Get fingerprints
- Pass a check of the history
- Successfully finish the data collection training
- Pass the training in maritime security
Eligibility criteria
The necessary skills vary according to employment and the region, so check with your region of interest for more specific information. General eligibility criteria generally include:
- Identification of marine species
- Data collection for organic specimens
- Appropriate handling of protected species
- Ability to manage movement and seasickness
- Ability to work long and irregular
- Strong interpersonal skills
Education
Training is provided to rely on the fundamental knowledge that a candidate has. Observer candidates generally have a bachelor's degree in a college or university accredited with a major in one of the natural sciences. The degree should include at least 30 hours in the biological sciences.
A specialized work experience can also help you prepare for a career as a fishing observer, such as participation in research cruises on peaches, identification and recording of marine mammals observations and data entry into a database.
Physical and medical state
Observer candidates must provide a certification of a doctor that they do not have health or vision problems that would endanger their safety or the safety of others at sea. They must have the capacity to do intense physical work, sometimes in arduous conditions.
Additional requirements for fishing observers
Individual programs can have additional requirements such as swimming skills, calculating and IT skills, RCR and first aid certification, minimum standards of physical condition and American citizenship.
Some regional programs may have specific requirements. These requirements can be examined online or by directly contacting these programs.
Observer training and safety
THE Health and safety of our current observers and monitors is an absolute priority for the agency. Since the creation of NOAA observers programs in the 1970s, the NOAA has continuously worked to develop and institute world -class training and security protocols.
The NOAA fisheries – including the law enforcement office and the NOAA general council office – work with observers, observers suppliers, the American coast guard, the NoAA work violence program and the fishing industry to prepare observers for safe deployments.
Vocational training of the fishing observer
The candidates of the observer must demonstrate their potential to collect precise data in the field, react to unknown situations at sea professionally and succeed in security exercises. Once they have proven their competence in these areas, candidates can become new observers.
Before their first deployment, new observers will develop and improve the essential skills, such as the identification of species, during an intensive training program of 2 to 3 weeks. This program is preparing new observers with complete training in the fields of biology and identification of species, data collection, fishing and security regulations and sea survival skills.
Experienced observers also attend regular security briefings and professional development to keep their knowledge up to date.
