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.
Materials are published online and offline that support the claims of high wage jobs on fishing boots and in canneries. There are however usually a number of failures for every single report claiming success in reality.
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 is regulated in the work contract. It is usually based upon a daily shared rate that is calculated from the amount of fish that has been caught on that day. Crew members have to make sure that they possess signed work contracts or agreements that clearly outline the job requirements, entitlements and rates of pay.
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.
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.
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 tend to have certain criteria in mind when hiring new crew members for commercial fishing in Alaska. They usually seek someone for a designated contract period only.
Physically capable individuals are required that can work long hours, remain standing for extended lengths of times and move heavy objects around.