Company: Wigmore Trading
Location: Lagos, Nigeria (with deployments across Nigerian coastal and offshore waters)
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Fleet Operations Manager / Marine Logistics Director

About Wigmore Trading

Wigmore Trading is a fast-growing trading and logistics company operating across West Africa, with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ethical business practices. We are expanding into the marine sector with a focus on commercial fisheries in Nigerian waters and are seeking an experienced, disciplined, and honorable Ship Captain to lead the operations of our industrial fishing vessels.

Role Overview

As Ship Captain, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a company-assigned industrial trawler or purse seiner, conducting multi-day fishing trips along Nigeria’s continental shelf. You will lead the vessel’s crew, manage onboard fishing operations (demersal or pelagic), ensure catch quality, enforce safety standards, and represent the company’s values at sea.

Key Responsibilities

• Command and navigate the vessel in compliance with international maritime laws and Nigerian fisheries regulations.

• Oversee fishing operations targeting shrimp, croaker, grunts, sardines, and bonga, using either stern trawls or purse seines.

• Ensure correct and safe deployment, operation, and retrieval of fishing gear.

• Maintain optimal catch quality using onboard icing or freezing systems.

• Monitor and report on fuel consumption, mechanical status, and trip efficiency.

• Supervise all crew members: assign duties, enforce discipline, and ensure well-being onboard.

• Maintain accurate records of catch volumes, locations, and fishing effort.

• Coordinate with marine engineers and deck officers for vessel maintenance and repairs.

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• Ensure that all safety procedures and equipment are fully operational and that drills are conducted regularly.

• Act as the company’s representative at sea, upholding high standards of integrity, professionalism, and environmental responsibility.

• Communicate regularly with shore-based operations teams to report progress, issues, or regulatory encounters.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 7–10 years of seagoing experience, including at least 3 years as Captain of an industrial trawler or purse seiner.

• Valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) as a Marine Captain (STCW-compliant).

• Proven experience with:

  • Demersal trawling or shrimp trawling

  • Pelagic purse seining

  • Use of hydraulic winches, trawl doors, sonar/fishfinders, and onboard refrigeration systems.

• Strong understanding of Nigerian maritime boundaries, licensing rules, and seasonal closures.

• Proficient in navigation systems (GPS, radar, AIS) and logbook maintenance.

• Demonstrated leadership ability to manage a mixed-skilled crew of 8–15 personnel.

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); knowledge of local Nigerian dialects is a plus.

• Physically fit for multi-day offshore voyages.

Key Traits and Ethics

• Integrity: Must uphold Wigmore Trading’s core values of honesty, accountability, and fair trade.

• Reliability: Can be counted on to deliver regular, high-volume landings with accurate records.

• Leadership: Able to lead by example, mentor junior crew, and manage crisis situations calmly.

• Responsibility: Dedicated to vessel maintenance, crew safety, and legal compliance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses

• Health and life insurance

• Seafarer’s travel and welfare support

• Long-term career growth within a pioneering company expanding its maritime division

• Company-sponsored certifications and refresher training

To Apply

Send your CV and a short letter of interest to jobs@wigmoretrading.com. Mention the role “Ship Captain – Industrial Fishing Fleet” in the subject line. Include any recent fishing voyage logs or vessel command records.