Buying Fishing Gear & Tobacco

To handle the challenging environment in remote Alaska, you’ll need gear. Here’s a quick guide to purchasing the necessary raingear, boots, and other supplies you will need while working in the Bering Sea

  • Our crew purchases their own rain gear, boots, gloves, etc. There is no up-front cost for gear. Before each trip departs Dutch Harbor, crew members will have the opportunity to purchase gear using the BWS account. Those charges will be deducted from your crew share at the end of each trip.
  • For new hires on their first rotation, BWS provides a credit of $300 for gear. We recommend that new hires purchase their gear in Dutch Harbor, where experienced crew members and officers can provide guidance on what is needed.
  • If it’s your time fishing commercially, you will need a commercial fishing license. Bristol Wave pays the full cost of the license; there is no charge to the crew member. Fishing licenses are valid for the calendar year.
  • Remember to keep track of your charges. These purchases will reduce your pay on the next payroll.
  • You will also have the opportunity to charge tobacco products at a duty-free rate. These charges will also be collected from crew share.

Remember that everything you charge will be collected back later, so it’s best to limit purchases to what is necessary. If you’re not sure what you need, our experienced crew members and officers can help.

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