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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Mate on a fishing vessel is expected to act as a back up to the Captain, and should be familiar with all aspects of the longline industry.
Required Coast Guard licensing: 1600 ton or greater uninspected fishing vessel license
Familiarity with all reporting guidelines
Ability to maintain all records, including offload paperwork and personnel files
Ability to navigate effectively and assist with all Captain’s responsibilities
Ability to supervise deck operations, handling of gear, etc
The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining all machinery aboard the ship, and is expected to ensure the safe and effective operation of all equipment.
Required Coast Guard Licenses: 3000hp and 1000 ton uninspected fishing vessel license. On some of our vessels, a DDE 4,000 HP license is sufficient to serve as Chief Engineer.
Ability to handle all refueling operations
Ability to prevent equipment failure through proper maintenance
Ability to handle needed repairs in a safe and timely manner
Attention to detail when logging and recording all repairs and maintenance
The Assistant Engineer acts as back up to the Chief Engineer and helps maintain all machinery aboard the vessel to ensure safe and effective operation of all equipment.
Coast Guard Licenses Assistant Engineer (Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels) required. The USCG now requires all assistants to be licensed.
Ability to assist with all refueling operations
Ability to prevent equipment failure through proper maintenance
Ability to assist with needed repairs in a safe and timely manner
Attention to detail when logging and recording all repairs and maintenance
Cooks are responsible for the providing quality meals to the crew and handling inventory and ordering of supplies for the galley.
Current State of Alaska Food Handlers Permit
Ability to order all needed galley supplies on a trip-by-trip basis
Ability to provide quality meals while staying within budget limits
Ability to maintain cleanliness and organization in the galley
Previous experience cooking on a fishing vessel or similar employment background
Processors are responsible for the handling, panning and packing of all product. Although this is the starting point for people entering the commercial fishing industry, it is a demanding, fast paced job which requires physical fitness and attention to detail.
Ability to properly separate and process all products while maintaining a high level of quality
Ability to package and store product quickly and efficiently
Ability to load and unload product
Ability to clean and bleed fish
Willingness to learn and be part of a team
Deckhands are responsible for the handling and hauling of gear, operation of deck equipment, and the loading and unloading of inventory. Deckhands are experienced fishermen who have worked their way up and are well compensated.
Ability to handle and operate all deck gear
Ability to handle lines effectively
Experience with all safe operation of all deck machinery
Experience with tie up procedures
Willingness to assist with all loading and unloading procedures
