Third Hand

Congratulations! You are now employed as Third Hand on a Grimsby trawler.

Listen to the audio clip below to hear a fellow Third Hand talking about your new job.

Audio clip: Third Hand, performed by Paul Day

Average wage: £6.2s.2d per week Around £145 in today’s money.

Average hours: 20 hours a day. May work up to 70 hours without sleep when fishing.

Main duties:

Take watches as required, keeping a lookout on the bridge and steering the ship.
Steer the ship when entering and leaving port.
Climb the mast in all weathers. A good head for heights is essential!
Work aft during hauling or shooting, connecting the door to the trawl.
Release fish from the cod end.
Prepare the trawl net for fishing.
Take charge of the fish deck when the Mate is working elsewhere.