Careers
Fishing with Bristol Wave
A career in the commercial fishing industry requires vigorous and highly physical work. Individuals who want to join the Bristol Wave Team need to be ready to handle long hours and challenging work under tough conditions. Fishermen at Bristol Wave are also expected to bring with them a willingness to respect and work well with others in close quarters.
Great place to work. I would recommend it to anyone looking to make some money. The work is hard and weather is cold but with some work ethic, anyone can get it done.
What to Expect
Travel
At the beginning of each trip new crew members are flown to Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Most employees fly from the Seattle area, but we have a diverse group of individuals from all areas of the country. Travel arrangements are handled by our corporate office.
Supplies
There is no up-front cost to purchase needed supplies and the required permit to fish in Alaska; those fees will be deducted at the end of the trip.
Compensation
Once the trip is complete (generally 3-6 weeks depending on the size of the vessel and the catch rate), the captain will assign a “crew share” based on work ethic, attitude, and general performance. This will determine what portion of the total profit each employee receives. Hard working individuals willing to learn the trade can make commercial fishing a very lucrative career.
Life onboard
Room and Board
All crew live and work in clean, shared spaces. The vessels house bathroom and shower facilities that are shared amongst the crew. State rooms have bunk beds, individual cubbies for belongings, and sleep 4-6 crew per room. Rooms and beds will be assigned to crew upon crew arrival to the vessel.
Meals
Each Bristol Wave boat staffs an experienced cook who strives to provide multicultural meal options and welcomes meal requests. Meals are self-serve in the galley using steam tables and the crew eat family style. Three hot meals plus snacks and drinks are provided per day to nourish the hardworking crew.
Conditions
Fishing on the Bering Sea can be challenging at times as weather conditions can produce high seas and rough work conditions. No matter what the weather, crew can expect the work to be demanding and fast paced. That said, the excitement of loading the boat amidst Alaska’s natural beauty is a unique shared experience. And many crew members return because our fleet is safe, and our officers are well-trained and experienced Commercial Fishermen.
Positions
The Bristol Wave hiring process includes both a background screening and a mandatory drug test. Applicants will be screened for criminal history and this will be given consideration during the hiring process. Applicants will also be expected to pass a drug test, and if hired will be subject to periodic random drug screening on the job.
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan
Captain
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Ability to navigate effectively and familiarity with all related regulations
Ability to supervise handling of all gear
Ability to maintain safe practices aboard the ship and conduct safety drills
Proper allocation of crew shares based on performance
Maintaining of discipline in accordance with company policy
Administering of required random drug screenings
Proper handling of paperwork and communication with central office
Willingness to work with Operations Managers to constantly refine and improve the business plan