…About Getting a Job on a Bering Sea Fishing Vessel

Posted on March 21, 2007 by opilia

Many stories have been told about people who, with no trouble whatsoever, landed a job as a crew member in Alaska’s fishing industry on a highliner fishing boat and made tons of money. There are published materials for sale which boast of lucrative jobs in canneries and on fishing boats. The reality is, that for every success, there are many failures. A prospective crew member’s chance for a profitable season will be enhanced by careful assessment of job openings and close attention to details regarding any job offer.

During harvest seasons, prospective crew members must walk the fishing docks to follow up each word of mouth lead to speak with the skipper personally. The travel and waiting for such an opportunity can be costly, both physically and monetarily. Crew members rarely leave good jobs, so only a small percentage of hopefuls find their berth in this manner.

ADVISORY: Some of the reasons crew members leave should carry a warning to job seekers to proceed with caution. Commercial fishing is rated as one of the most hazardous occupations in America. Reputable boat operators rarely have serious mishaps, nor do they lose good crew members through misunderstandings. It is a good idea to find out why the departed crew member left. A vessel with numerous crew vacancies during the harvest season warrants investigation before new crew accept a job on it.

Minimum wage laws do not apply to crew member jobs in the industry. However, certain federal and state laws concerning hiring of persons under the age of 18 do apply.

Wages are often based on a share or percentage of harvest earnings. Newcomer deckhand earnings range from 1.5% to 10% of the adjusted gross catch, depending on location and type of fishery and the skills the worker possesses. Some vessels offer a daily rate from $50 to $100 instead of a percentage of the catch. Recent market conditions have caused some share rates to decline.

CREW COSTS
A crew member can be expected to purchase specialized apparel such as:

wet weather gear $100 per set
rubber boots $40 to $70 per pair
gloves $2 to $12 per pair
wrist covers or sleeves $5 per set
sleeping bag $70 to $200
The fishing vessel owner/operator should provide other specialized gear required by the Coast Guard, such as a survival suit. Make sure the vessel has a good safety reputation.

Crew members supply their own commercial fishing licenses. In 2000, commercial fishing license fees are $60 for a resident and $125 for a non-resident. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a web site offering
crew license information and purchase:
http://www.labor.state.ak.us/esd_alaska_jobs/seafood.htm

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

Filed under: About Working in Alaska, Crab Fisheries

« How I found myself while homeless in Alaska ‘Deadliest Catch’ is a keeper »

46 Responses to “…About Getting a Job on a Bering Sea Fishing Vessel”

  1. Nicholas M. Dyer, on April 12th, 2007 at 7:37 pm Said:

    Hey my name is Nicholas Dyer I’m 28 almost 29 in June. Im very healthy and strong and was interested in applying for job. thank you for your time please email me back. I want let u down.

  2. Michael S., on April 14th, 2007 at 3:17 pm Said:

    Hello, my name is Michael S. I am 36 years old and i am a native of florida. I have spent many years fishing in the gulf of mexico starting at age 17. at age 25 i was the captian of one of the fleets long line fishing boats a 44 fter. I am very experianced at sea and I am a very hard worker looking for half share on a king crab fishing boat deakhand position . Thank you, my phone # (727) 565-7031

  3. opilia, on April 15th, 2007 at 11:25 am Said:

    Hi Michael. Unfortunately I don’t have any connections on any crab vessels. I’ll keep posting on working in Alaska however, and maybe you’ll figure out something from what you read.

  4. James Brackett, on April 25th, 2007 at 6:07 am Said:

    Hi my name is james and i love fishing and i was just wondering on how you can get a job on one of the deadliest catch vessels even with no expierence and how i apply for the job thanks so much

  5. Joey Piatt, on April 27th, 2007 at 6:59 pm Said:

    Hello my name is Joey and I am seeking employment in the fishing industry of Alaska. I currently live in Cincinnati, Ohio and am able to work during the summer.

  6. Karl Ramsey, on April 28th, 2007 at 2:00 am Said:

    I Would Love To Come On Board With Phil Harris And The Corneilia Marie!!!

  7. TERRY RAYMER, on April 29th, 2007 at 11:51 pm Said:

    hello i am 28 years of age i am a very hard worker i am interested in becomeing a deck had on a king crab boat i hope that some one can point me in the right direction thank you

  8. brett armstrong, on May 9th, 2007 at 10:14 pm Said:

    i will work my ass off for a chance to be blessed with a job and a family with a crew like any of you

  9. opilia, on May 11th, 2007 at 6:16 pm Said:

    You all are so great and brave to want to work in the Bering sea! Please check out my links about Alaska employment on my main page as that’s the only connections I have to offer…

  10. bill craswell, on May 15th, 2007 at 4:04 am Said:

    i see you guys every week and i take my hat off to you guys and would like to be just like you guys not afraid of shit give me a chance i’ll do it for free just to say i’ve done it

  11. ben parker, on May 28th, 2007 at 9:07 pm Said:

    Hi i am a 22, student just out of university, have been fishing for many years, and would love the opportunity to work on one of the king crab boats, if you are interested in a strong, reliable deck hand, please contact me, i also have sailing qualifications and the knowledge of both the sea and navigation

    hope this interests you
    regards

    ben

  12. Jamison Parker, on June 7th, 2007 at 6:45 pm Said:

    I am a 22 year old part time student. I own a lawn and landscape business since I was 18 and I work a 40 hour a week job as well. Currently I work 80 hours a week and I love it. I have been into crabbing and fishing all my life and I am dying for a chance to come to Alaska and do it like a real man. So if your looking for a young energetic fairly intelligetn 22 year old Im your man you’d never be dissappointed with my work ethic

  13. Matthew Stone, on June 7th, 2007 at 9:37 pm Said:

    Hello, I am 22 years old and would love to come out and work as a deck hand. I am strong and very hard working. I will do anything to come along for the adventure and earn some good money.

  14. Wesley Reichardt, on June 9th, 2007 at 12:39 am Said:

    whats up im wesley im 21 i was a greenhorn on the f/v Bountiful i have 2 seasons under my belt and do to some unfair treatment on my 2nd season i decide to leave the ship and i would like the chance to do it agian

  15. Matt, on June 13th, 2007 at 7:48 pm Said:

    My mate kicked me out of his house last night accusing me of being insane when I told him a lot of GreenHorns are students hoping to earn some quick cash.

    Mind you, I had previously said that I might have concidered it when I was younger (if I had known about it) so maybe he had a point!

  16. BIG WILL$$$$$, on June 14th, 2007 at 10:49 am Said:

    Man! Im tired of watching all the episodes on CABLE! Im ready to go! I think thats a great career as long as you practice safety!!! and listen to instruction. Because the SEA Is nothing to play with. When the Conditions is HIGH risk. Im 6″4 190 lbs Ambitious and Energetic ready to be apart of the deadliest job. raise in the Hood and I think its all Good. my Wife and kids thinks its a great idea. They Are my biggist suporters! We LOVE the show! Watch It all the time. Please let me explore my dream! CAPTAIN! I WONT LET YOU DOWN* THATS I NEED IS A LIFE CHANCE SO I COULD DO MY DANCE. PEACE……….

  17. glenn, on June 23rd, 2007 at 4:23 pm Said:

    I was wanting to get a job on the vessel I have never been on a fishing boat but I can learn fast and would be a hard worker I’m use to not getting that much sleep so if gave me a chance you wouldn’t be disappointed hope you give me a chance thank you glenn

  18. Joseph Blanton, on June 24th, 2007 at 12:47 am Said:

    Hello to whome this may concern, as you know my name is Joseph Blanton im 19 yr.’s old 20 in jan. Im one hell of a worker, i dont stop till the jobs done. I would love the chance to work aboard one of the boats on the sea.Im a really quick learner and i got alot of confedence in the work i do. if interested call at 1-[513]-752-3910 CALL ANYTIME Thank you very much

  19. Matt, on July 5th, 2007 at 9:24 pm Said:

    Here a job site I stumbled upon for Alaskan Crab fishing:

    http://www.alaskafishingjobs.com/opps4all.htm

    It’s not my web site and I’ve never applied to them so I can’t vouch for it, or guarentee it’s the best way in, but it’s certainly a place to look if you actually want a job. (As with any job application don’t pay no money for registration or anything).

    Don’t blame me though if you change your mind mid-season!

    Good luck!

    Matt. (P.S. check out the link to my new web site I am developing - it works but I’m still making it better… ;)

  20. opilia, on July 9th, 2007 at 12:21 pm Said:

    Hi everyone. Just wanted to remind those interested in working in Alaska. Please use the links on the main page, in the sidebar to research work as many people start in the business working on processors…

  21. James Lewis, on July 28th, 2007 at 7:57 pm Said:

    Hello everyone, I am a 28 years old, Ilove the ocean and would love to become a member on a vessel. Ive been interested in the ocean all my life. I am very strong mentaly and physicaly. I work hard and dont give up. I hope to hear from someone, Iam anxious to get stated thank you for time.

  22. LESLIE DONE, on September 5th, 2007 at 5:46 pm Said:

    Hello my name is Les i would like the oppurtunty to fish the berring sea on a crab boat im am 23 years old i love fishing salmon in lake michigan and i love to fish rough seas i have been fishing a long time and i would like a new challange im a hard worker and i can learn fast and i never give up i always keep trying till i sucseed

    Les

  23. Colleen, on September 10th, 2007 at 3:16 am Said:

    I just read two really good books by Spike Walker:
    “Working on the Edge” and “Coming Back Alive” I think it should be required reading for all future Greenhorns. They tell all about what it’s really like to work out in the Bering Sea and just how dangerous and unforgiving it can be. Like if the boat starts taking on water and you can’t find your survival suit. Yikes!! But a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. So good luck and stay safe!

  24. patrick brock, on September 23rd, 2007 at 5:43 pm Said:

    Hi my name is Patrick i’m from england and interested in becoming a crew member on the deadliest catch.I have some experience in fishing and coming from an island obviously have good sea legs.I’m 25,6ft2inches tall and in great physical and mental strength.I believe i have what it takes to deliver the goods aboard one of your vessels.If you have any vacancies or oppurtunities please get in touch i would be most grateful for the chance and keen to earn back trust shown in me.thankyou for your time,yours hpefully,Patrick Brock.

  25. opilia, on September 24th, 2007 at 4:20 am Said:

    Patrick, You’ll have to do some research to find work, they wont come looking for you. Try using the fishing vessel links I have on the main page such as the F/V Northwestern, F/V Timebandit, etc…They each have a little bit of info on finding work in Alaska. Alot of people start out working on processors handling seafood first, then make their way to fishing. Good luck!

  26. MIrza Zariful Hasnain, on November 3rd, 2007 at 3:45 pm Said:

    hiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
    i want do job there and i wanna package of job and
    wat environment there
    GoodNight

  27. Brian, on February 13th, 2008 at 6:14 pm Said:

    i have been interested in alaskan sea fishing as a career for some time now, i finaly sat down and googled it and found this. I am a six and a half foot 260 lbs guy that wont get washed overboard! lol. i love the ocean and cold weather. i live in california, and am very interested in getting a job as a meritime fisherman. any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

  28. Mahesh Bhimarao, on February 28th, 2008 at 6:33 am Said:

    Hai my name is Mahesh from India. I am 20 years old. I am 5.5 feet 110 lbs. I am interested become a member of fishing vessel.

  29. Brian Cox, on February 29th, 2008 at 2:15 pm Said:

    My name is Brian … I’m 33 years old, 6ft4in and weigh 240lbs. I require almost no sleep. The job I work in now I only get a couple of hours of sleep a night. I know almost nothing about alaskan crabbing but have thrown a net over the side a few times. Let me know…Im crazy enough!

  30. richard szyszkowski, on March 19th, 2008 at 3:45 pm Said:

    so,wut are the chances i can actually work as a deckhand?32 yrs old from buffalo ny,done hard work as a tree cutter since i was 15,took boating lessons at 16,damn,been on the water since i was 2.its a dangerous occupation,but the money is great,so i heard.lived by the waters of lake erie my whole life,actually went walleye fishing when i was 13 with my best friend.The waters started churnin pretty good,we were bout a mile out on a row boat in early summer so the water was still cold,eventually the boat went down,being young,no life perservers,i held on to the boat.My best friend said he would try to swim for shore and never made it.he was found 100 feet from shore.I was picked up by a jet skier still holding on to the boat.so i understand the dangers that take place in the open waters,dont play w mother nature!but if anyone see this add,i want to work as a deckhand,im a good worker,weight 160,6 ft.able to work long hours,safe,and willing to learn.its march now,and i need to work damn it.any one need help?……

  31. john fleming, on March 23rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm Said:

    im looking for a job on a fishing vessel Iam very intergetic and helthy i am currently imployed as a new holland and kubota service tech ican cook and clean dont mind what type work just to get there would be awesome. to feel the closeness of fishermen. family of 4 need something different to help with college before i get to old and wore out looking out for my family and thiers and hopfully yours THANKS JOHNFLEMING

  32. Michael Small, on March 29th, 2008 at 6:25 am Said:

    Hi, My Name is Michael Small and i am 28 years old and would like to know how i could start getting my feet wet on a DEADLIEST CATCH VESSEL, i have been lobsterfishing and scolloping since i was 15, im a very hard working, and would love to have the challenge of the bearing sea. i am currently graduating Holland College with my unrestristed watchkeepers papers.
    If you can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it, and if i am in the right place, and i get an email back, i can send a resume, and a few recommondations aswell.
    thank you for your time, and i hope to hear back
    1-902-439-9770
    Mike

  33. Abe Fehr, on March 29th, 2008 at 1:20 pm Said:

    Hey all, my hat is off for all of you tough guys on the boats, fishing in the cold waters where waves
    could cost you your life and who endure the pain of cold and hard work. I wish I could join you, looks like something I could do cuz i love the sea and fishing as well as hard work look me up if anyone is interested thanks

    Stayin tough always”hopefully”
    Abe

  34. Randy Sudul, on April 6th, 2008 at 12:13 pm Said:

    Hi, my name is Randy I’m 27 years old. I’m currently working for a construction company in Atlanta, GA. I’m interested in getting additional information on how to apply for a available position as a deckhand. I’m a hard worker and fast learner. I work well with others as a team and make it a priority to learn as much as I can from the experienced people I work with. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to prove myself worthy.

    Please contact me at (404)401-7636. Thank you for your time.

    In regards,

    Randy Sudul

  35. sean m. eldridge, on April 11th, 2008 at 9:37 am Said:

    my name is sean m. eldridge, 30 yrs old, i am ready to work, (505)360-4877

  36. opilia, on April 11th, 2008 at 5:15 pm Said:

    Anyone interested in working in Alaska should check out some of the links posted on the front of the blog. Deadliest Reports can’t get anyone jobs.

  37. Lindsay Brian Diengdoh, on April 27th, 2008 at 4:25 am Said:

    Hi…
    My name is Lindsay and I am very interested in carb fishing.I am healthy & strong. I am cerfied advance diver with PADI. Please kindly mail me the details of how to go about.
    Thanks.

  38. Nathan Dunn, on May 14th, 2008 at 7:25 pm Said:

    Hi, my name is Nathan and I want the chance to fish Alaskan waters. I have been a commercial fisherman here in Alabama all of my life. I know it is not like fishing there but at least I do have some experience with the aspect of it. IO just graduated from nursing school but have not yet found a job. I would love to know how I could get a job on a vessel in Alaska. I would probably go ahead and apply for my nursing license there as well. Oh, by the way, I am 30 yrs old, 6′4″, 215lbs and a very hard worker. Let me know something. . . Thanks Nathan

  39. marcus villanueva, on June 5th, 2008 at 1:04 pm Said:

    Hello, I would love to become a part of the crew. As my story goes i became unemployed due to the economy. I have been trying to keep me and my families head above the ground. Everyday is a challenge. I am in good shape, and my will is even stronger. I am also a team player, and will do everything in my power to help me and my team succeed.Me and my family are loyal viewers to the show. I would love to see the smiles on my two sons faces knowing that i am doing this for my family. All i ask is for a chance.
    thankyou,
    godbless.

  40. Jon Pearson, on June 11th, 2008 at 5:14 pm Said:

    Hi, I’d like to work on a crab boat in the berring sea, I realise it is a dangerous occupation & very hard work, but it is something I really do want to not only experience but make a living at if I’m fortunate enough. I’m a hard worker & I do what I’m told, I also believe I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I just really want a chance to do this. Any help that can be given would be greatly appreciated…………..Jon.

  41. Mark Fierro., on June 11th, 2008 at 11:16 pm Said:

    My name is Mark Fierro,i would like some info on how to apply for employment to catch some crabs,i am currently a class a truck driver and i feel that i need something more challenging.plus the price of diesel is outrageous(owner operator)pleas feel me to contact me at my email address,,,thank you for your time.Mark Fierro…

  42. Matt Sheeler, on June 26th, 2008 at 11:16 am Said:

    My name is Matt Sheeler,and I im extremely interested in fishing the bearing seas. I have worked on charters out of Newport,OR as a deckhand on 3 different vessels. I have done construction work for the last four years, so I im in great physical condition. I would love the chance to get out on the seas and fish.I im 22 yrs old,very motivated and energetic.I could give any of your deckhands a run for their money.Giving me a chance would not be a mistake.Hope to hear from you soon.I wont let you down. thank you.(541)401-4946.

    Matt Sheeler

  43. Martin Bernal, on June 30th, 2008 at 4:06 pm Said:

    Hi my name is Martin Bernal im 23 years old, Im interested in working out in the bering seas. I have work out of the Gluf of Mexico on a small crab boat. I’ve work on some deep fishing boats for two years.I’ve also work in construction for three years building New Orleans after Katrina passed by. Im very motivated and energetic i get long with other.So if you can please give me the to work out in the bering seas i promise not to let you down. Thank you for your time you can contact me at (956)825-8789.hope to here form you soon.

  44. Ron, on July 8th, 2008 at 1:38 pm Said:

    I talked with the crews from the time bandit (Capt Andy) and the C.M. Jake and Josh when they did there nascar tour in 2007.
    They were at the Dover race. I told them then I wasn’t interested in the money and that my share could go to the families of the fisherman lost at sea. I am 48 yrs old with over 30 yrs fishing the Atlantic. I am a certified welder/ Mechanical. This is my chance to do what few men have ever done. My company who I am a mechanical superintendent with supports my dream and I plan to be there this fall. Can you give me any help?

  45. Jason Whitney, on July 18th, 2008 at 1:52 pm Said:

    Hi, My name is Jason Whitney im 23 years old and im located in Florida. I was born in Maine so the cold weather does not bother me. I’ve been watching the show’s on discovery and I’m very interstead on learning more and hopefully getting a job working on one of the crab boats. I enjoy hard work and this job has alot of that and seems very exciting and dangerous which I would like to be part of asap. If anyone can help me get my foot in the door pls let me know asap i can be contacted at 352-553-6420

  46. christopher gorgodian, on July 24th, 2008 at 3:06 am Said:

    hi my name is Christopher and i am 27 years old. i want to crab so bad. its always been a dream of mine to work on a boat like the time bandit. its what i need right now in my life. i would be great for the job. i love the ocean, get along with everyone, work my tail off. would love the opportunity. if anyone knows how to get a job on the time bandit or any other crabbing boat for that matter please let me know e mail hriz89@yahoo.com phone num 609-417-3062 thanks so much

Leave a Reply