Les Mousses (deckhands), Étretat (France).
In early 1900s Étretat, fishing was a way of life, with children of fishermen beginning their training at twelve. They progressed from coursiers, who ran errands, to ship’s boys, who joined short fishing trips to learn essential maritime skills. By fourteen or fifteen, they became deckhands, working full-time on boats, handling nets, and preparing fish for market.
Historically, Étretat's fishing industry declined in the mid-19th century, shifting to coastal fishing with smaller boats. Traditional clinker-built boats sailed to Dieppe for herring fishing in autumn, while mackerel fishing remained a summer staple. This hands-on education ensured fishing traditions were passed down through generations, reflecting a broader maritime heritage in Normandy.
