Kristian Ferrell
Working on a crab boat is a physically demanding job that requires long hours and erratic schedules. Crab fishermen work 18- to 20-hour shifts for three to 10 days at a time, with only short breaks in between to catch up on sleep. The work is harrowing, but those who choose this career path can eventually settle into a routine. Crab fishing seasons are short, usually lasting one to six weeks, and the work is dependent on the type of crab being caught.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shift length | 18-20 hours |
| Shift length (after travelling to area) | 3-10 days |
| Season length | 1 month to 6 weeks |
| Work routine | Erratic |
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What You'll Learn
The work schedule is erratic once the boat leaves port
Crab season will rotate depending on the type of crab and is usually a month to six weeks for each season or shorter, depending on how much crab you have to catch for the boat quota. Crab fishing is a physically demanding job, with crew members working 16-hour days.
Before the ship leaves port, the crewmen visit the butcher, stock up at Costco and plan their meals. Fresh vegetables are in short supply onboard. It can take time to settle into the routine of life at sea, but for those who choose this job, it can become less scary over time.
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Crab fishing seasons are usually one month to six weeks long
Crab fishing is a physically demanding job, with crew members working long hours and enduring harsh weather conditions. Despite the challenges, some crew members find the work rewarding and enjoy the opportunity to learn new skills.
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Crew members work 18- to 20-hour shifts
Life on a crab boat is erratic and harrowing. Crew members work 18- to 20-hour shifts, and the work is physically demanding. The day-to-day routine involves setting out crab pots, which are baited and dropped into the water, and marked with buoys. Each crew member takes a wheel watch while heading to the grounds or back to port, which can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or more. The crab season will rotate depending on the type of crab and is usually a month to 6 weeks for each season or shorter, depending on how much crab needs to be caught for the boat quota.
Before the ship leaves port, crewmen visit the butcher, stock up at Costco, and plan their meals. Fresh vegetables are in short supply onboard. For those who choose this job, it can settle into a routine. Corey Arnold, a crab fisherman and photographer, told HowStuffWorks: "It's really only scary the first season or two. Once you survive 40-foot seas, you start to realise that the boat is bulletproof."
On a crab boat, crew members often start as "greenhorns" and work their way up to more senior positions. For example, one crew member on the M/V Melanie started as the "bait guy" and worked his way up to deckhand.
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Crew members take turns on wheel watch for 2-4 hours
Working on a crab boat is an erratic and harrowing experience. Crew members take turns on wheel watch for 2-4 hours at a time, and shifts can last up to 18-20 hours a day. Crab seasons usually last a month to 6 weeks, or shorter, depending on how much crab needs to be caught for the boat's quota.
Before the ship leaves port, crew members visit the butcher, stock up at Costco and plan their meals. Fresh vegetables are in short supply onboard.
Corey Arnold, a crab fisherman and photographer, told HowStuffWorks:
> It's really only scary the first season or two. Once you survive 40-foot seas, you start to realise that the boat is bulletproof.
One crew member on the M/V Melanie described their experience:
> I started as a greenhorn but worked my way up quickly to deckhand. I was the bait boy on the vessel. They even let me throw the hook a few times.
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Crew members are responsible for baiting crab pots
Crab fishing is a physically demanding job, with crew members often working 16-hour days. Crab seasons are usually a month to six weeks long, or shorter, depending on how much crab needs to be caught for the boat quota.
Before the ship leaves port, crew members visit the butcher, stock up at Costco, and plan their meals. Fresh vegetables are in short supply onboard.
One crew member described their experience as a 'bait guy' on a crab boat:
> I started as a greenhorn but worked my way up quickly to deckhand. Your responsibilities specifically. I was the bait boy on the vessel.
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Frequently asked questions
Shifts can be 18 to 20 hours long and last for three to 10 days.
Crab season can last from one month to six weeks, depending on the type of crab and how much crab needs to be caught for the boat's quota.
Life on a crab boat can be harrowing, but it can settle into a routine. Crew members have to take turns doing 'wheel watch' for two to four hours at a time.
Job roles include 'bait guy' and deckhand.
Crew members eat meat from the butcher and stock up on food from Costco. Fresh vegetables are in short supply.
