Deckhand job in Alaska's Commercial Fishing Industry?

Question

I am interested in doing this. What kind of shape should I be in? I am in shape now, but I am looking for more specifics to see if I need work in anything such as be able to run 3 miles or 3 miles in 18 minutes, bench 200 lbs or consistently lift and move 50 lbs of weight around all day.

I'm sure I can handle this, and am actually looking forward to living on a ship and working hard to make my money.

I would also like tips on getting into this industry also. Thanks!

Answer 1

This is commercial fishing, not the Special Forces or something!

Being in good shape certainly helps, but you don't have be Conan or He-Man to go out and fish.

Employers are looking for people that can work long hours, be away from home and all of the comforts thereof, and be sober while on the boat and that includes being on the boat or on the dock.

Employers are looking for the following qualities: Able to get along well with others from different backgrounds (racists need not apply), hard workers, able to do what it takes to get the job done, not prone to sea-sickness (you could bench 400, but if you're puking your guts up 24/7 you aren't any good), you have to be responsible, and a self-starter.

All of the companies give drug tests, both pre-employment and random.

The basic jobs are deckhand and seafood processor. On smaller boats the crew might be as few 3-4. A captain and a few deckhands. Larger boats will have a processor crew to clean and freeze the fish right on-board as well as a cook, engineer, and a mate in addition to the captain and deckhands.

Pay varies and is often payed based on a percentage of the catch. On larger vessels, processors are often paid by the hour. Larger boats normally hire you as a processor first and then you can work your way up to deckhand.

Smaller boats will hire you as a deckhand.

The fishing season is pretty much done untill early January. King crab is in October, but they rarely, if ever hire a greenhorn.

You will most likely need to go to Seattle WA in person and go from office to office of all the fishing companies and down to Fisherman's Terminal in Ballard looking for a job. Be prepared to go right after Thanksgiving and stay till just before Christmas looking for work. You will probably find a job with someone. The pay and job may not be what you want right off the bat, but you gotta pay your dues, just like anything else.

The other good time for fishing jobs is the summer salmon season which runs from late May till early-mid September. The thing to do with that is to arrive in Seattle and look for work. If you don't find anything, head up to Alaska and look there.

Here is a website that can help

Also the Seattle Times has Alaska fishing jobs in it's job section.

Answer 2

I saw the question and was trying to get the answer, because I also am interested but just cant seem to get enough info to make an educated decision. mike