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.
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.

