The Commercial Fishing Industry 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.

Payment depends usually on the amount of fish that has been caught on a day. It is based on a daily shared rate that is calculated on the catch.It is important for all new crew members to have signed work contracts and agreements that clearly outline the job requirements, all entitlements and the rates of pay due to the heightened pace at which commercial fishing in Alaska is conducted.

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.

The crew on smaller fishing vessels usually have little to no privacy on commercial fishing trips in Alaska. They sleep, work, relax and eat together in close quarters and it sometimes means that toilet facilities are exposed or even do not exist at all.

Shows and toilets are available on other vessels for individual use. It is recommended to ask about accommodations before signing a contract on a fishing vessel in Alaska so that the conditions can be considered prior to accepting the job.

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.

Physically capable individuals are required that can work long hours, remain standing for extended lengths of times and move heavy objects around.

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