The Inner Workings Of A Crab Boat

Crab boats are busy vessels that are used to catch crabs. Crab fishing is a harrowing job, but it can settle into a routine. Crab boats are often out at sea for weeks at a time, with crew members working 18-hour days. The lowest-ranking crew member is called a greenhorn, who has to prove themselves by working hard and safely. They are often given the least desirable tasks, such as preparing bait for the crab pots, which involves chopping up thousands of pounds of dead fish.

The crew's daily routine

The lowest-ranking crew members are called 'greenhorns'. They work for a season or two on the deck, helping the deckhands and performing the grunt work. They must prove themselves to the captain, who might not trust them until they've shown they can work hard and safely. Greenhorn duties include preparing bait for the crab pots, which means chopping up thousands of pounds of dead fish.

The role of a greenhorn

A greenhorn is the lowest-ranking crew member on a crab boat. They are often new to the job and have to prove themselves to the captain and the rest of the crew. Greenhorns work alongside deckhands, learning the labour and performing some of the least desirable tasks. For example, a typical greenhorn duty is to prepare bait for the crab pots, which means chopping up thousands of pounds of dead fish. Greenhorns must also pay for their own fishing licences.

While the role of a greenhorn is challenging, it can also be rewarding. Greenhorns have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain experience at sea, and earn a good income. Many captains don't trust greenhorns until they've proven that they work hard and work safely, so it's important for greenhorns to be diligent and cautious while on the job.

Overall, the role of a greenhorn on a crab boat is crucial to the operation of the vessel. Greenhorns perform essential tasks that support the more experienced crew members and help ensure the success of the trip. While the work can be gruelling, it can also be a rewarding experience that provides a good income and the opportunity to build a career at sea.

The captain's responsibilities

The captain of a crab boat has a variety of responsibilities, from overseeing the crew to ensuring the safety of the vessel and its catch.

Captains must be able to trust their crew, and this often means putting in the time to train and mentor them. Crab boat crews are often made up of greenhorns (the lowest man on the totem pole) and deckhands, who work alongside each other. Greenhorns are eager to work but inexperienced, so captains must ensure they are working hard and working safely.

Crab boats can be dangerous places, and it's the captain's responsibility to keep everyone on board out of harm's way. This includes being aware of the dangers that come with the job, such as heavy equipment like 900-pound crab pots swinging from cranes. Captains must also ensure the boat is well-maintained, which includes regular cleaning, scraping, sanding and painting.

Captains are also responsible for the success of the voyage, which means knowing where to find the crabs. This might include participating in crab surveys, which help to sustain crab populations for future generations.

Boat maintenance

Crab boats require a lot of maintenance. Every year, crab boats have to go "on the hard" for a couple of weeks for maintenance. This includes hauling the boat out of the water, scraping and sanding the hull, and repainting. This process is especially important for wooden boats, as they are more susceptible to damage and wear and tear.

There are also companies that offer routine maintenance services for crab boats, including hull cleaning, which can prolong the life of anti-fouling paint and keep the boat in peak operating condition.

In addition to routine maintenance, it is important to be prepared for accidents and injuries, as they are a common occurrence on crab boats. When an accident happens at sea, proper medical attention can be very far away, and some operators may try to minimise their responsibility to cut costs. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive safety plan and well-stocked first aid kit on board.

Operating costs and federal regulations

Operating a crab boat is expensive, and the short seasons bounded by federal regulations mean that crews often work long hours. Crab boats can bring in nearly a million dollars in one trip, but crew members must pay for their own fishing licences.

Frequently asked questions