How To Get A Job As A Crab Fisherman – King Crab Fisherman
Crab Fishermen can earn a large amount of money in a very short time, and rightly so. Fishing for King Crab is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
Fishing for king crab, one of the world’s most sought after delicacies, takes place off the coast of Alaska. The weather is bitterly cold and the seas run high and wild. There may be freezing rain, sleet and snow. Ice encasing both boat and equipment must be hacked away by hand. Violent storms can rock the area, sometimes with little warning of their coming.
Life aboard the fishing boats is challenging. Most boats are little more than one hundred feet in length, with no room for privacy, and few amenities. Work is carried out as needed, and shifts may last more than twenty-four hours. There is little in the way of entertainment, or medical care. In an emergency, help may be many days away.
Every crabbing season there are jobs for king crab fishermen, but there may be a shortage or those who are capable of doing the job.
Those who wish to become Alaskan King Crab Fisherman must be both mentally and physically strong and have great endurance. They must be able to function at all times as part of a team, as their lives may and often do depend on it. These fisherman must be able to follow directions, and do their jobs with precision, and caution, even when soaked, freezing, and wearing heavy clothing. They must be determined, mature, reliable, self-confident, and tireless, able to work for long hours in all types of weather, even when exhausted. They must be virtually immune to discomfort and deprivation, attentive to detail, have good eye-hand coordination, and excellent balance.
If you get a job as a King Crab Fisherman, you will be away from home and family for months at a time. Make sure you are mentally prepared for this.
Education
Start by considering your personality and talents to decide if you are the right person for this job. Some television programs make jobs look exciting, even romantic. Crab fishing is anything but. It is an extremely dangerous job, tedious, exhausting, and mentally and physically demanding. On the plus side, it can, if the catch is good, pay very well.
Get your high school diploma, and if possible at least an associate’s degree. You never know when you may need to supplement your income or change jobs, so an education is never wasted. Take courses in English, science, mathematics, computers, and shop. Any mechanical or electronic knowledge you have could be very useful at sea, as could the ability to cook. Learn first aid.
It takes more than strength and nerve to get a job as a Crab Fisherman. It also takes experience, so, while in school, get all the experience you can on commercial fishing boats. It is very unlikely that any boat captain would take on an inexperienced crewman so, get together a resume, and consider starting with a job in a canning facility. These jobs are available in several ports in Alaska. Here you can make a living, while you get an idea what the fishing industry is all about.
Talk to professional fishermen and especially crab fisherman. Get to know some of the boat captains. Post your resume and let everyone you meet know you are interested in a position, any position, on a boat. You may be lucky and get on in a minor role, from which you can work your way up to King Crab Fisherman.
Do not go to Alaska expecting to get a job immediately. Alaska is an expensive place to live so make sure you have a few thousand dollars to tide you over until you get a job. Preferably, before you leave home, try to arrange for a job in a canning factory, or other area of the fishing industry.
There are many sites that advertise jobs Alaska. These will give you further information on crab fishing and fishing in general. Some charge a fee. Be wary of signing anything without careful consideration.
If you have what it takes, and want to work in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, you may enjoy a career as a King Crab Fisherman.
