by David M. Duchyk

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.

Published materials are sold which claim that lucrative, high-wage jobs are available on fishing boats and in canneries. In reality, however, that for every single reported success there are a number of failures.

Crew members who are considering a job in the the commercial fishing industry in Alaska should carefully assess the job opening and pay close attention to company records and details of the job offering. Especially records of crew injuries and past fatalities including the cause of death should be analyzed thoroughly. Other important information are records of a company's history and reputation and previous success or failures.

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.

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.

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.

On some of the smaller fishing vessels, commercial fishing in Alaska is conducted with the crew having little privacy. Everyone eats, sleeps, works, and relaxes together. In some cases, toilet facilities are somewhat exposed or perhaps may not exist 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.

About the Author:
David M. Duchyk is an Alaska fishing expert. He operates his own website called Salmon Fishing in Alaska where additional articles are published about the Alaskan fishing industry.