Alexei Matcovschii shares his story: how working on a crab fishing vessel helped him and how long he has been job hunting

Alexei Matcovschii shares his story: how working on a crab fishing vessel helped him and how long he spent looking for a job

My employment story on a crab fishing vessel in Norway is an example of how persistence, determination, and perseverance can lead to success. From the very beginning, I believed that any challenge could be overcome if you actively seek ways to overcome it. One day, I came across a video where a man talked about the high salaries and opportunities for crab fishing in Norway. I was intrigued: "Why not give it a try?" I thought. After all, if it's truly possible to earn good money there, it was worth checking out.

I spent the following days and nights searching for any information on this topic. It was a period of intensive study of everything related to maritime work in Norway, from the procedures for obtaining documents to the specifics of working on a vessel. I realized that, first and foremost, I needed to pass a medical exam and specialized safety courses for seafarers. So I traveled to Constanța, Romania, where I could quickly obtain all the necessary documents.

Usually, enrollment in courses takes place a month before the training starts, but I couldn't afford to wait that long. I did everything possible and ensured I started the course three days after my arrival. The safety course lasted 10 days, and I completed it with full commitment. On the last day of the course, I underwent the medical check and immediately bought a ticket to Oslo. I arrived in Norway without a job contract but with full confidence that I would find a job.

The job search lasted two weeks. During this time, I stayed with an acquaintance who supported me in my efforts. In those days, I found four potential job openings on vessels that could become available with the start of the crab fishing season and another vacancy in a factory. The factory vacancy was available immediately, and I decided not to waste time and got to work. However, three days later, I received a call from the vessel with a contract offer. They asked me to wait a few days until the manager arranged the purchase of tickets, but I said I was close to the vessel (about 400 km away) and ready to arrive the next morning. The shipowner agreed and asked me to keep all travel receipts for future reimbursement.

That same evening I set off, and by morning I was already in the port. Thus, I found myself on the vessel, having started repair work before the crab fishing season began.

My success in this case was due to determination, perseverance, and having the necessary documents from a Schengen country. If you have EU citizenship and are not afraid to put in extra effort to achieve your goals, your chances of success increase many times over. It's important not to give up and to keep moving towards your goal, even if the road seems long and difficult.

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Watch my free lesson where I explain in detail how you can get a job at sea and start earning a decent salary: The free lesson!