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
:beer