Since the television show started, we’ve received a lot of email asking about fishing jobs on the boat. Unfortunately, we don’t have positions available and not enough time to answer all emails. So here is a bit of advice and some resources on finding work in the Alaskan fishing industry.
Working on a crab boat is hard work, but it is a great job. Of course, fishermen don’t make as much money as the “Deadliest Catch” implies. There is a lot of expenses not talked about on the show. We keep crew members for years at a time. When a position comes open, there is a line of people who have been waiting since the last opening. Like any job, it comes down to relationships. Usually, one of the other deckhands or skippers recommends someone when there’s a job opening.
A great way to get a feel for the industry and get to know some of the fishermen is to get a job for a seafood processor. There are several processors in Dutch Harbor. They often provide airfare to Alaska, and room and board. If you’re lucky – you’ll get a reputation as a good, hard worker… and if you’re in the right place at the right time… you’ll get your break. Remember, Capt. Phil worked for free his first 3 months of crab fishing before he got paid – and that was only because someone else got hurt.
Here are a few processors with links to their websites or jobs pages:
The Coast Guard rescued 11 fishermen from two different vessles in less than 24 hours in extreme weather conditions Wednesday, January 24th including the FV Kimberly pictured above. The entire of state of Alaska has been experiencing brutal weather conditions this winter. From record snowfalls in Valdez and Cordova to growing sea ice in the [...]
Here, at the Cornelia Marie family we believe in a few simple things. “Work hard, Play Hard” or “Work hard, play harder” if you prefer. We believe in a strong work ethic. Capt Phil said, “Everybody wants to be big time, they just don’t want to work for it.” If you are of able and [...]
It was one year ago today that we lost the skipper of the FV Cornelia Marie. Capt. Phil harris passed away on February 9th, 2010. I think it is appropriate to mark this date on this website today and every year this site exists. Capt. Phil was a big reason why “Deadliest Catch” grew in [...]
This article comes from People magazine Before his death on Feb. 9 at 53, Phil Harris, the tough and colorful captain of the Cornelia Marie on Discovery’s Deadliest Catch, fought against all odds, came out of a medically-induced coma following lengthy surgery, spent a few more days with friends and family – and set his [...]
The following article is by ROSE COX of The Dutch Harbor Fisherman ([email protected]) To fans of the “Deadliest Catch,” he was captain Phil Harris, the famous crab-killing rider of the wild Bering Sea. But to those living at the tip of the Aleutian chain, he was just plain Phil, one of the most endearing, demanding [...]
