Isla Gale

Maritime

Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing)

“The lecturers’ different seafaring backgrounds and teaching styles have helped me understand the subjects better.”

Isla Gale came to NESCol’s Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) with her sights set on advancing her successful fishing career.

The 19-year-old Isle of Man native already has an impressive amount of experience in the fishing industry. Prior to leaving school, Isla spent her summers and weekends working at sea, before securing an apprenticeship on a scallop fishing vessel when she was 15.

She said: “I absolutely love the fishing industry and want to be able to work on bigger boats. So far, I’ve been working on boats sized 16.5m or less, and I’m ready to make the jump.”

To achieve this goal, Isla needed to obtain the Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing) Certificate of Competency. This allows seafarers to work on fishing vessels between 16.5m and 30m in length.

Exterior shot of the Scottish Maritime Academy with a blue sky

Studying at the Scottish Maritime Academy

As part of the certification, Isla completed ancillary courses at SMA earlier in the year. These included the NAEST Operational and GMDSS General Operators Certificate, which cover essential skills in navigation and radio communication. The 12-week Class 2 Deck Officer course is the final part of training Isla needed, preparing her for the written exam.

Isla has enjoyed the opportunity to take her extensive fishing knowledge to the next level at SMA.

She said: “I love learning about something I am passionate about – which is fishing! The educational side of things fascinates me and I’m quite an ambitious person.

“The simulator and the cafe at SMA are great facilities. The lecturers’ different seafaring backgrounds and teaching styles have helped me understand the subjects better.”

Isla Gale taking notes at a desk in a classroom at SMA

Isla’s advice and next steps

Isla would recommend studying at the centre to others interested in progressing their fishing career – but warns that you must be committed and willing to make sacrifices.

She said: “It is a big undertaking, especially if you’re away from your home, family and friends (and dog!). Although what I really miss is being at sea. I miss the camaraderie of the fishing sector, especially at my home Peel Port on the Isle of Man.”

After she finishes training, Isla is ready to take the next step in her fishing career.

She said: “Once I earn my Class 2 Certificate of Competency, I aim to get a permanent berth on a larger scallop vessel within the Scottish fleet.”

Isla sitting on a fishing boat in front of a big pile of scallops

A role model for women in fishing

Isla is well-known in the world of fishing, having won Trainee Fisherman of the Year at the Fishing Industry Awards in 2022. She frequently uses her experience and knowledge to inspire other young women to consider fishing as a career path and has been featured on platforms such as the BBC.

Although fishing is a traditionally male-dominated industry, her advice for women is to give it a go.

She said: “You’ll never know if you don’t try! You could fall in love with it like I have. My main piece of advice is to find a supportive Skipper who’ll take you on a trip – I got very lucky with my Skipper and haven’t looked back.

“I understand that there are many supposed barriers and superstitions about women working at sea, but if you are determined and hardworking enough to overcome that side of things, you’ll do really well.

“I have had plenty of people doubt me along the way and I’m more than happy to offer advice and information to young women who want to get into the fishing industry.”