Offshore fishing vessel captain NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for offshore fishing vessel captain.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for offshore fishing vessel captain is 83120 (Fishing masters and officers), a TEER 3 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 3): +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer.
NOC code
83120
TEER 3 · skilled
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 83120 covers
Fishing masters and officers manage and operate saltwater and freshwater fishing vessels greater than 100 gross tonnes to pursue and land fish and other marine life. They are employed by establishments engaged in operating commercial fishing vessels.
| Unit group | 83120 — Fishing masters and officers |
|---|---|
| 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
- Command fishing vessels to catch fish and other marine life
- Determine areas for fishing, plot courses and compute navigational positions using compasses, charts, tables and other aids
- Steer vessels and operate navigational instruments and electronic fishing aids such as echo sounders and chart plotters
- Direct fishing operations and supervise crew activities
- Record fishing progress, crew activities, weather and sea conditions on ship's log
- Select and train vessel crews.
To use NOC 83120 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 83120 →
Other job titles under NOC 83120
- Fishing vessel boatswain
- Fishing vessel deck officer
- Fishing vessel first mate
- Fishing vessel master
- Trawler captain
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 83120, one of these may fit better:
- Fire captain — NOC 42101 (Firefighters, TEER 2)
- 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 deckhand — NOC 84121 (Fishing vessel deckhands, TEER 4)
- Fishing vessel icer — NOC 84121 (Fishing vessel deckhands, TEER 4)
- Fishing vessel netmender — NOC 84121 (Fishing vessel deckhands, TEER 4)
- Fishing vessel skipper — NOC 83121 (Fishermen/women, TEER 3)
- Mine captain — NOC 82020 (Supervisors, mining and quarrying, TEER 2)
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 offshore fishing vessel captain?+
In NOC 2021, "offshore fishing vessel captain" is an example title in unit group 83120 — Fishing masters and officers. It is a TEER 3 occupation in the "Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations" broad category.
Is offshore fishing vessel captain eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 83120 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 offshore fishing vessel captain get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 83120 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 50 (whichever is higher).
Can a offshore fishing vessel captain get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 83120 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 offshore fishing vessel captain 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 83120. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.