Helena Frye
Working on a crab boat is a physically demanding job that requires strength, stamina and the ability to work in adverse weather conditions. Many crab fishers begin as deckhands, also known as greenhands, and work their way up to more advanced roles. To get a job on a crab boat, it can be helpful to visit fishing towns and talk to people on the docks and at local businesses about your intentions. Meeting skippers while salmon fishing is also a good way to line up work on a crab boat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job role | Deckhands, also known as greenhands, are entry-level employees on a boat who handle maintenance tasks. |
| Job opportunities | Many fishing boats are small, family-owned operations that might hire employees directly rather than advertise their job openings. Visiting fishing towns and interacting with people on docks and at local businesses about your intention to become a crab fisher might help you begin your career. Meeting skippers while salmon fishing is the best way to line up work on a crab boat. |
| Qualifications | While not all states require a licensing course, pursuing one can be helpful in learning the basics of working on a crab boat. |
| Physical demands | Crab fishers sometimes work in adverse weather, so it's helpful to practice maintaining stamina outdoors. Regularly lifting weights and running can strengthen muscles and your cardiovascular system, both of which are essential to effective crab fishing. |
| Health and safety | Consider visiting a doctor before pursuing this career to receive a physical examination, which ensures you're healthy enough to handle the conditions of a season onboard a crabbing boat. |
| Soft skills | Soft skills can help prepare you for a career on a crab boat, so it may be helpful to develop relevant traits before pursuing this career. |
| Gear | Some companies expect professionals to provide their own gear when pursuing crab fishing roles. |
| Boat maintenance | Crab boats have to go "on the hard" for a couple of weeks every year for maintenance, including haul out, scraping and sanding, painting and cleaning. |
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What You'll Learn
How to get hired on a crab boat
Working on a crab boat can be physically demanding, so it's important to be in good shape. You should regularly lift weights and run to strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular system. Crab fishing often takes place in adverse weather conditions, so it's also a good idea to practice maintaining your stamina outdoors.
Many crab boats are small, family-owned operations that might hire employees directly rather than advertising job openings. To get hired, it can be helpful to visit fishing towns and talk to people on the docks and in local businesses about your intention to become a crab fisher. Boat crews work in close quarters, so it's important that the captain and other team members can trust you. Developing relationships and finding references who can vouch for your skills will help you build connections with potential employers.
Some crab boats expect professionals to provide their own gear, so owning your own equipment might increase your chances of getting hired. You could also use your gear to practice your skills and offer to help boat crews on short notice.
Deckhands, also known as greenhands, are entry-level employees on a crab boat who handle maintenance tasks. Many crab fishers start out as greenhands and move into more advanced roles after several seasons. As a greenhand, you'll have the opportunity to observe experienced fishermen, connect with industry professionals, and practice your fishing skills while adjusting to the work environment.
Meeting skippers while salmon fishing is another way to line up work on a crab boat. Experienced deckhands can also try dock stomping.
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How to prepare physically for the job
Working on a crab boat is physically demanding, so it's important to prepare your body for the job. Here are some ways you can get physically ready for a career in crab fishing:
Firstly, focus on building strength and cardiovascular fitness. Regular weight lifting and running are great ways to do this, as they will strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance. Crab fishing often involves adverse weather conditions, so it's crucial to have the stamina to keep going outdoors, no matter the weather.
Consider visiting a doctor for a physical examination before you start. This will ensure that you're in good health and able to handle the physical challenges of working on a crab boat. It's also a good idea to develop soft skills that will help you in this career, such as adaptability and resilience.
If you're just starting out, look for entry-level positions as a deckhand or greenhand. These roles will give you a chance to learn the ropes, observe experienced fishermen, and build your skills. You'll also get to know the work environment and connect with industry professionals. Some companies may expect you to provide your own gear, so be prepared to invest in the necessary equipment.
Finally, networking is key in the crab fishing industry. Visit fishing towns, talk to people on docks and at local businesses, and try to meet skippers while salmon fishing. Building relationships and finding references who can vouch for your skills will increase your chances of finding work on a crab boat.
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What to expect from life on a crab boat
Working on a crab boat is a physically demanding job that requires strength and stamina. Before you start, it's a good idea to visit a doctor to make sure you're healthy enough to handle the conditions on board. You can prepare by regularly lifting weights and running to strengthen your muscles and cardiovascular system. Crab fishers sometimes work in adverse weather, so it's helpful to practice maintaining your stamina outdoors.
Many crab boats are small, family-owned operations that might hire employees directly rather than advertising job openings. Visiting fishing towns and interacting with people on docks and at local businesses about your intention to become a crab fisher might help you find work. Boat crews work closely together in tight spaces, so it's vital that the captain and other team members can trust you. Developing relationships and finding references who can vouch for your skills might help you build relationships with potential employers.
You can start as a deckhand, also known as a greenhand, and work your way up. As a greenhand, you'll handle maintenance tasks and have the opportunity to observe experienced fishermen, connect with industry professionals, and practice your fishing skills. Some companies expect professionals to provide their own gear, so owning your own equipment might help you get started and offer to help boat crews on short notice.
Meeting skippers while salmon fishing is the best way to line up work on a crab boat. Experienced deckhands can also try dock stomping. The Alaska crabbing fleet is concentrated around Kodiak Island, the Bering Sea, and Dutch Harbor.
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How to get promoted from an entry-level role
To get promoted from an entry-level role on a crab boat, you will need to start as a deckhand, also known as a greenhand. This role involves handling maintenance tasks and gives you the opportunity to observe experienced fishermen, connect with industry professionals and practice your fishing skills. To get this role, you could try visiting fishing towns and interacting with people on docks and at local businesses about your intention to become a crab fisher. Boat crews work closely together, so it's important that the captain and other team members can trust you. Developing relationships and finding references who can vouch for your skills might help you build relationships with potential employers.
Once you have secured a role as a greenhand, you will need to work hard and impress your superiors to get promoted. This might involve regularly lifting weights and running to prepare for the physical demands of the job, or practising maintaining your stamina outdoors to prepare for adverse weather conditions. You could also try to connect with experienced deckhands and ask them about their career progression.
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How to maintain a crab boat
Maintaining a crab boat requires a lot of work. Wooden crab boats, in particular, need a lot of maintenance. Every year, crab boats need to be hauled out of the water for a couple of weeks to be scraped and sanded, and then painted and cleaned. This is especially important for wooden boats, which are more prone to fouling organisms clinging to the hull.
To maintain a crab boat, you'll need to keep it clean and free of debris. This includes regularly cleaning the living quarters of the boat, as well as the exterior. It's also important to have the right equipment on board, such as crab measures and coolers with seawater for storing keepers.
In addition, it's crucial to be mindful of the impact of crab pots and other equipment on the boat. For example, when running an oyster dredge or sorting crab, it's easy to accidentally toss equipment overboard. Having multiple sets of equipment can help reduce the risk of losing gear.
Finally, it's important to consider the impact of the work on the boat. Crab boats can take a beating throughout the year, so regular maintenance and repairs are essential to keep them in good condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Many fishing boats are small, family-owned operations that might hire employees directly rather than advertise their job openings. Visiting fishing towns and interacting with people on docks and at local businesses about your intention to become a crab fisher might help you begin your career. Meeting skippers while salmon fishing is also a good way to line up work on a crab boat.
Crab fishing is physically demanding, so it's important to prepare your body by regularly lifting weights and running. Crab fishers sometimes work in adverse weather, so it's also helpful to practice maintaining your stamina outdoors.
Deckhands, also known as greenhands, are entry-level employees on a crab boat who handle maintenance tasks. Many crab fishers begin as greenhands and pursue advanced roles after several seasons.
Boat crews work closely together and share tight spaces during fishing seasons, so it's important that the captain and other team members can trust you. Crab boats also need to be hauled out, scraped, sanded, painted and cleaned every year, which can be hard work.
While not all states require a licensing course, pursuing one can be helpful in learning the basics of working on a crab boat.
