Commercial Fishing In Alaska

Fantastic stories exist about the commercial fishing industry in Alaska that is luring prospective job seekers to seek their fortune there. Tales of amazing wages, no living expenses and little to no experience for jobs make the rounds.

Success stories are published online and in books that mention high-wage jobs that are lucrative both on fishing boats and canneries. The reality however paints a different pictures with many failures for every success stories that gets published.

Any crew member considering a job in commercial fishing in Alaska must carefully assess every job opening, pay close attention to all of the details of any job offer, and research the company for whom they would work. Likewise, it is important to look at any records of crew injuries, success or failures of the company, company records such as history and reputation, and any records of past fatalities including the cause of death.

The best advice that prospective crew members can get is from fellow fishermen who already worked for the company in question. This is usually a better approach of getting information about a company than from published materials. Past or present workers are usually the best source of information when it comes to existing working conditions that a fishing company provides.

Commercial fishing in Alaska moves at full speed during peak harvest season. It is often a requirement for crew members to work on the fishing gear and fishing vessel without additional monetary payment.

Pay is often based upon a daily, shared rate depending upon how much fish has been caught that day. Because commercial fishing in Alaska occurs at such a heightened pace, it is important for all new crew members to get signed work contracts or agreements which clearly outline all entitlements, job requirements, and rates of pay.

Crew members should retain good records of each day’s catch and the expected pay rate on a daily basis to be on the safe side.

On some of the smaller fishing vessels, commercial fishing in Alaska is conducted with the crew having little privacy. Everyone eats, sleeps, works, and relaxes together. In some cases, toilet facilities are somewhat exposed or perhaps may not exist at all.

Toilets and showers do usually exist on most of the fishing vessels. Job seekers should specifically ask about these accommodations if privacy is a matter for them. The conditions should be taken into consideration by prospective crew members.

Employers who seek crew members for commercial fishing in Alaska have certain criteria in mind. They want someone who can work for a designated contract period.

Individuals should be physically capable to move heavy objects, remain standing for extended lengths of time and work long hours.

No related posts.