How Matcovschii Alexei Came to Work on a Crabbing Vessel: Experience, Challenges, and Triumphs

How Matcovschii Alexei Came to Work on a Crabbing Vessel: Experience, Challenges, and Triumphs

The path to working on a Norwegian crab fishing vessel was not only a difficult decision for me but also an important life stage that changed many things. My story began in the small Moldovan town of Soroca, where I was born and raised in a family where music and art were significant parts of daily life. I graduated from music school, college, and university, where I trained as a music teacher and conductor of a folk orchestra. Although I didn't work in my profession for long, music remains an important part of my life and helps me in the most challenging moments.

After finishing university, I faced financial difficulties: I worked as an operator at a canning factory in Soroca while studying, being a young father and husband, providing for my family. The income from the factory was not enough—salaries in Moldova are low—and with a mortgage on my shoulders, I was looking for ways to find a stable income. In search of better income, I moved to the Czech Republic, where I got a job in logistics in Prague, distributing goods for large retail chains. The earnings in the Czech Republic were much higher than in my home country: earning between 1,500 and 3,000 euros, I was able to pay the mortgage and ensure a stable income for my family.

But I always wanted to improve my living conditions and achieve more. I was looking for new opportunities, planning to find a job in France or Germany. I didn't know much about Norway at the time: that the capital was Oslo and that it was very cold. Everything changed in an instant when I saw a video on Instagram about working on a crab fishing boat in Norway. I was attracted by the conditions and, of course, the promised salary. I started researching what was needed to join a vessel, but I had no idea what kind of challenges I would face.

Working on a Norwegian vessel requires preparation. First, you need to take special safety courses, which are necessary for anyone going to work at sea. I also needed a medical certificate, which is not easy to obtain—the medical commission for seafarers is strict and requires good health. All of this had to be organized quickly, and in ten days I managed to complete the course and gather all the necessary documents.

The next step was finding a job. After arriving in Norway, it was hard for me to find a suitable vessel. I spent a few weeks attending interviews, looking for a job, writing my CV in Norwegian, and preparing for the new environment. Finally, in November, I got a job on a vessel, but before the season started, I was still in the process of repairing and preparing the equipment. I set off on my first journey on December 30, when the crab season began.

The first days at sea were unforgettable for me forever. It was like a test of strength, for which it is difficult to be fully prepared. Once on board, I realized that working on a vessel is unlike any other experience: discipline, strength, endurance, and teamwork are important. I worked on repairing traps and preparing for crab fishing, and then the actual journeys began.

Every detail is important on a vessel, and every crew member has their own responsibilities. On my first voyage, I worked in the hold, where the cargo had to be properly stacked to meet ventilation and cooling standards. On the next journey, I was transferred to the factory, where I learned all the stages of crab processing, from sorting to packaging. Later, after gaining experience, I asked the captain to transfer me to the deck to set traps. Initially, the captain refused because I had done well in my previous positions, but he later agreed. Working on the deck is one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs: temperatures can drop to -25°C, and storms and cold winds are common in the Arctic. (Barents Sea)

The free lesson!