Experienced seafarer Jacob joined the Scottish Maritime Academy (SMA) to take his fishing career to the next level.

Jacob Tait from Fraserburgh was just eight years old when he first went on a boat. After leaving school at 16, he went straight into the fishing industry and has been at sea ever since.

Now 27, Jacob has built up more than a decade of experience as a deckhand and felt it was the right time to undertake the Deck Officer Class 2 (Fishing) Certificate of Competency.

He said, “It’s a natural progression. After so long at sea, it comes to the point where you want to step up.”

With SMA only a 20-minute drive from his front door, it was an easy decision for him to decide where to study!

Becoming a skipper

The Certificate of Competency will qualify Jacob to skipper fishing vessels between 16.5 and 30m in length.

Having worked as part of a crew for many years and completed several other courses, Jacob felt confident in his understanding of onboard responsibilities. He also currently oversees many of the safety procedures on his current vessel.

However, the course has given him a much deeper insight into the skipper’s role.

He said, “It’s a bit different – you do a lot more thinking, as opposed to being hands-on as a deckhand. You need to take a lot more things into account.

“When you’re responsible for more, it does make the job harder, but you also get to make your own decisions.”

Studying at SMA

The 12-week course at SMA prepares students for the written exams that form part of the Certificate of Competency.

Jacob has enjoyed the course, particularly the people he has met.

He said, “I would definitely recommend this course to others. The lecturers are all great – and you get a laugh out of them!

“My classmates are guys you can talk to. They’re all fishermen, and after a week everyone knew each other. We have a WhatsApp group so if you need help, you can message and someone will get back to you.”

Next steps

As well as passing his written exams, Jacob will need to complete several ancillary courses and an oral exam to achieve the Certificate of Competency.

He said, “I will hopefully pass this and then I’ll head back out to sea for a while as I’m getting married next year!

“The following year, I’d like to try and complete the Deck Officer Class 1 (Fishing), and one day, get the chance to skipper a boat.”

Fishing courses at SMA

The Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead offers training for new entrants, as well as experienced seafarers who wish to progress to the next level.

Explore fishing courses