Fishing vessel skipper NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for fishing vessel skipper.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for fishing vessel skipper is 83121 (Fishermen/women), a TEER 3 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry.
NOC code
83121
TEER 3 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 83121 covers
Fishermen/women operate fishing vessels less than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are usually self-employed owner-operators of fishing vessels.
| Unit group | 83121 — Fishermen/women |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 3 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or 6+ months of on-the-job training |
| Broad category | Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Operate fishing vessel to pursue and catch fish and other marine life
- Select area for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses and charts or electronic fishing aids
- Steer vessel and operate navigational instruments
- Operate fishing gear, direct fishing operation and supervise fishing crew members
- Maintain engine, fishing gear and other on-board equipment
- Record fishing activities, weather and sea conditions
To use NOC 83121 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 83121 →
Other job titles under NOC 83121
- Fisherman/woman
- Inshore fisherman/woman
- Lobster fisherman/woman
- Longliner fisherman/woman
- Seiner fisherman/woman
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 83121, one of these may fit better:
- Fishing guide — NOC 64322 (Outdoor sport and recreational guides, TEER 4)
- Fishing operations manager — NOC 80010 (Managers in natural resources production and fishing, TEER 0)
- Fishing vessel boatswain — NOC 83120 (Fishing masters and officers, TEER 3)
- Fishing vessel deck officer — NOC 83120 (Fishing masters and officers, TEER 3)
- Fishing vessel deckhand — NOC 84121 (Fishing vessel deckhands, TEER 4)
- Fishing vessel first mate — NOC 83120 (Fishing masters and officers, TEER 3)
- Fishing vessel icer — NOC 84121 (Fishing vessel deckhands, TEER 4)
- Fishing vessel master — NOC 83120 (Fishing masters and officers, TEER 3)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for fishing vessel skipper?+
In NOC 2021, "fishing vessel skipper" is an example title in unit group 83121 — Fishermen/women. It is a TEER 3 occupation in the "Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations" broad category.
Is fishing vessel skipper eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 83121 is TEER 3, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does fishing vessel skipper get extra CRS points?+
NOC 83121 isn't on IRCC's high-wage list, so there are no extra high-wage or job offer points. Canadian work-length points still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Can a fishing vessel skipper get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 83121 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says fishing vessel skipper but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 83121. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.