How does Crew Share Payroll Work

Bristol Wave crew members earn a percentage of the sales value of the catch. Each crew member is assigned a crew share, and there are several factors that impact the sales total. Here’s a quick look at how it all works

  • Each crew member is assigned a crew share. For new hires who have never fished before, that usually means a “half share.” Experienced crew members can work their way up to a “full share.
  • The key to increasing your crew share is not just gaining skill and experience, but also having a positive attitude, following directions from officers, and learning to work as part of a team.
  • At the end of each trip, the crew share is converted into a percentage of the sales value.
  • The sales value for each trip is based on the total sales minus the operating expenses for the trip, which include bait, fuel, observer fees, packaging, etc.
  • The catch rate – how fast the vessel is catching fish – has a big impact on the sales total. A faster catch rate means a shorter trip, which means less bait used, less fuel burned, etc. Catch rates are usually fastest in the first half of each year.
  • The market price – how much cod or sablefish are selling for – has a big impact on the sales total. When the market is up, crew shares rise with it. Right now, in 2025, cod prices are at all-time high.
  • Once the sales total is calculated, 40% of the total is split up among the officers and crew, based on each person’s crew share. The remaining 60% goes to the company and pays for vessel repairs, shipyard, etc.
  • Each crew member’s pay will have pre-tax deductions for food, and in some cases airfare. New hires on their first rotation do not pay any airfare charges, but on future rotations travel costs will be deducted from crew share.
  • Purchases for gear, tobacco, etc., will be deducted after tax through payroll.
  • BWS allows crew members to take a “draw” against future earnings once per rotation. Any draw balance will be collected from crew share on the last trip of your rotation.
  • 100% of your crew share will be paid out by direct deposit or check within 21 days (or less) of offload.

Tips to increase your crew share

  • Learn new skills in the factory or on deck.
  • Be a team player.
  • Keep a positive attitude.
  • Work multiple trips to minimize travel and gear costs.

That’s a quick overview of how crew share payroll works. For a look at some real numbers from 2025, check out our blog!

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