Alaska Commercial Fishing

A lot of tales about landing a job in commercial fishing in Alaska are told by prospective job seekers. The stories usually involve great wages that can be earned in short amounts of time in jobs that require little to no experience at all and that are full of extras like expenses are being paid for while on the job.

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.

It is important to research the company for whom prospective crew members want to work and to pay close attention to the details of the job offering. Every job offering should be carefully assessed in commercial fishing in Alaska. Especially records of crew injuries and even past fatalities should be accessed and analysed. The success and failures of a company along with company records and the history or reputation should be taken into consideration as well.

Finally, prospective crew members should seek out the advice of others in the area rather than through published materials, especially when that advice comes from someone who has worked for the company in question. He or she is more likely to provide an accurate account of the working conditions than someone who is working to promote the particular fishing company.

During the peak harvest season, commercial fishing in Alaska moves at full speed. Crew members are asked to work on the fishing gear and the fishing vessel without additional monetary compensation.

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.

Likewise, it is important for crew members to retain good records of each days catch and their expected rate of pay on a daily basis.

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.

They also require a physically capable individual who can move heavy objects, work long hours, and remain standing for extended lengths of time.