What it Takes to Work in the Bering Sea

Working in the Bering Sea on a factory longliner is a physically AND mentally demanding job. For most people, this will be the toughest job they have ever done. But it can also be a rewarding and lucrative career. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your first time at sea

You’ll need to buy gear, and after your first rotation, pay for travel expenses. Working more than one trip is the best way to get a good paycheck. We suggest new hires plan on 2-3 trips for their first rotation – about 2 months. Many experienced crew members work 3+ trips in a row.
You’ll be working closely with an entire crew at a fast pace in a confined space, often in a cold and wet environment. It’s essential that all crew members maintain composure and work together.
Most people new to working at sea WILL get seasick. It will pass, and the key is to keep working until you get your sea legs.

Our crew works 16 hours a day, 7 days a week while fishing. You will be tired. You will be sore. You will have aches in places you never knew existed. Imagine riding a roller coaster for 16 hours every day while repeatedly lifting 50 pounds over your head. Everyone you’re working with has been through this before. The challenge is mental as much as it is physical. You don’t need to be the strongest or the fastest – the key to success is the determination to not quit.
If you decide working at sea isn’t for you, that’s ok. It’s a tough job and is not for everyone. The best thing you can do is finish the trip, let the captain know this is not for you, and go home with a paycheck and a nice story to tell. If you quit before the trip is over, you will only be paid for the days you worked. The boat will not return to port until the freezer hold is full, and the trip is completed – quitting will not get you home faster.
Our vessels operate far from emergency medical services and pharmacies. In many cases it can be a 2-day trip to the nearest port, or maybe more. If you have health concerns, dental work that needs to be done, or vital medications, consider whether this is the right environment for you, and always make sure those concerns are addressed before you depart. Our officers are trained in first aid and receive directions from doctors on shore on how to handle injuries. Our vessels only head to port early at a doctor’s direction, and only for serious emergencies.

All BWS vessels are equipped with Star Link internet. Each crew member is provided with an initial voucher for data at no charge, and has the options to purchase additional data, but keep in mind that communications at sea are limited, and you’ll need to rely on Wi-Fi based options like WhatsApp.
BWS has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug and alcohol use on board our vessels.

That’s a quick overview of how tough this job can be. Just remember, the most important thing is to stay mentally strong and not give up!