Wireless operator

Congratulations! You are now employed as Wireless Operator on a Grimsby trawler.

Listen to the audio clip below to hear a fellow Wireless Operator talking about your new job.

Audio clip: Wireless Operator, performed by Stephen Gillard

Average wage: £6.13s.4d per week. Around £159 in today’s money.

Average hours: 17 hours a day. Radio equipment must always be in working order.

Main duties:

Receive and send all fishing reports.
Monitor ship’s radio, listening for reports on fishing grounds and news of other ships.
Maintain electronic equipment including transmitters, receivers, and bridge equipment.
Send telegrams to and from the crew’s family and arrange flowers for special occasions.
Receive the sports results and run the ship’s sweepstake.
Post messages on the ship’s notice board.