Many tales of prospective job seekers easily landing a job in commercial fishing in Alaska. Stories are told of amazing wages in short amounts of time, being accepted for jobs with little to no experience, and payment of all living expenses 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.

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.

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.

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.

Commercial fishing in Alaska is conducted with little privacy for the crew on some of the smaller fishing vessels. The crew eats, works, relaxes and sleeps together in tight quarters. Toilet facilities might be exposed or even non existent in some cases 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.

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