Captains - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, commercial fishers and hunters:

Have a low level of job-required social interaction. However, fishers have little privacy while confined aboard ship.
Communicate with others mostly by face-to-face discussions.
Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
Are responsible for the work done by others.
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Occasionally are placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or angry.
Work as part of a team.

Work outside most of the time. Fishers occasionally work inside the deckhouse or other sheltered areas of the boat.
Work in varying weather conditions.
Regularly wear protective or safety attire, such as gloves and cold-weather gear.
May work physically near other workers.
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Are sometimes exposed to whole body vibration.
Occasionally must get into awkward positions to reach cramped work spaces.
Sometimes must work in very bright or very dim lighting conditions.
Are exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels on a daily basis.
Are occasionally exposed to hazardous equipment, such as winches, fishing gear, and hoists.
Are occasionally exposed to contaminants such as diesel fumes and solvents.
Are occasionally exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts or minor burns. Hazards depend on the type of fishing or hunting, area, and time of year.

Must be sure that all details of the job are performed and everything is done. Duties left undone can result in the loss of expensive gear or danger to crew members.
Must be exact or highly accurate in performing the job. Keeping undersized fish or not receiving permission to hunt in area can result in fines.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Often must make on-the-spot decisions that affect coworkers and their company.
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Are able to determine most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first. They often receive a set of instructions and then implement them over several days.
Work in a stressful atmosphere.
Must meet weekly and monthly deadlines.
Often must match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.

May be at sea or hunting areas overnight or for several months at a time.
May travel from a few miles to thousands of miles.
May work rotating shifts. Crews of fishing boats stand lookout watches. Watches vary in length depending on the employer. Some are six hours on watch and six hours off.
May work long hours while netting and hauling the catch aboard or tracking animals.