Know a reputable commercial outfit?

CatyMae n Steve

I have a son who's fished commercial boats in Alaska a few times, but the last time, he got burned and didn't get paid -- anyone know a reputable outfit that might need another hand? The reason the opportunity was offered originally was a friend was a captain -- he did a couple tours and then moved on to something else -- my son tried another outfit and that's when he didn't get paid.

Thanks,
Caty

tsturm

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:41 pm Post subject:

Excellent information! I doubt he has the info, as that happened about 7 years ago...but I'll pass it along just in case he does. Thanks!

Chivita · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:09 pm Post subject:

Caty,

Unfortunately this happens more than you'd expect. We had some Russian kids come to Sitka this past summer to deckhand and process for the season who got burned as well. Needless to say the community had to pitch in to buy them tickets back home!

About the best way to do this is to pick a community and then come up shortly before the opening. He'll need to hit the bars and marine supply stores (Murray Pacific in S.E. AK) and let people know he's looking for work. Then ask around about the captain to make sure he's worth working for.

Deskhands are getting harder to find in Southeast, but the openings and catches are getting restricted as well. Processors also hire up starting in spring and many of those now include housing and food, but the hours are long and there is a reason they call them "the slime line".

If he is serious and interested in the Sitka area, feel free to send me a private message. I work with the heads of the local processors and can find out more info and as well know a few captains and fish heads.

He can also work with the Charter fleet, they are usually looking as well. Unfortunately the Commercial guys hate the Charter guys with passion that Hilter would approve of, and this gets a bit dicey in such a small town.

Deckhand licenses for out of state residents run around $300 as I recall, fortunately they are a lot cheaper for locals or I'd never make enough to justify mine. Sure is a heck of a lot of fun, so long as you don't screw up.

Screw up and you'll hear more foul language then even a rap star can muster.

"Chivita" Dave

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject:

Thank you "Chivita" Dave -- he's waiting to hear back from the processing outfit that you verified for us -- should know something by or before next Thursday. THIS oughta keep him occupied! Thumbs Up

I can't imagine -- but at least he knows what he's in for -- and STILL wants to go! Wink

Caty

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Well, he got word today that he's going...and has to be there by 5AM Friday (at SeaTac) -- bummer cuz we're driving up -- but not leaving until Friday noon! He's looking forward to going (something fishy, since he's workin the slime line?) Laughing

Thanks VERY MUCH for your help...good to know it's a reputable outfit Smile

Caty

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:42 pm Post subject:

My son's in Dutch Harbor -- on the map it looks like in the middle of nowhere! I had a call from the kid. His cell doesn't work there (but it doesn't work in Jefferson either Wink

) -- he was calling from a pay phone -- they're not working to the max yet -- he's kinda bored, so I made a "care" package for him over the weekend to tide him over 'til they're in full swing of the season. He said so far it's been off and on...anywhere from 4 hours a day to 12 -- no 16's yet. I included a prepaid long distance card in the package, so maybe we'll hear from him again soon and hopefully he'll be tired from some long hours cuz that's what he went there for!

Chivita Dave, thanks again for your info and input!

Caty

dogon dory · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:12 pm Post subject:

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author

doc · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject:

Dutch Harbor is the closest landfall to Hawaii. Its about 120 miles or so closer than SanFrancisco.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 3:40 pm Post subject:

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 2:47 pm Post subject:

Well, in a week, they're moving the vessel he's on from Dutch Harbor to Dillingham....looks like it's closer to a larger land mass -- but I'm guessin there's more wild life there than human beings? He says they'll get mail delivery by helicopter...but not often. He's already signed up for the next tour -- for salmon and has his eyes on his boss' job when he quits after this season. Sounds like a pretty cool rotation....3 months on and 1 month off Thumbs Up

Looking on the weather outside right now, they ain't got nothin on us tho!

Caty