The Sailor's Story: From Moldova to Norway or How I Became a Crab Fisherman

The Sailor's Story: From Moldova to Norway or How I Became a Crab Fisherman

My name is Alexei Matcovschii and I am a sailor. No, I'm not the rugged, bearded hero you think of when you look at old photos of whalers or fishermen. But, like them, I learned to face the rough seas, work under strong winds, and understand what a true challenge means. My story begins far from the northern seas and crab fishing vessels. I was born in Moldova, in a small town where everyone knew each other. Since childhood, I dreamed of making music and even went on to study it. But as an adult, I faced reality: my job as a musician didn't provide enough income for a good living. To support my family, I went to the Czech Republic to earn money, worked in a warehouse, drove a forklift, and always hoped to find something better. One day, after a shift, while scrolling through my Instagram feed, I came across a video that changed my life. It was about working on crab fishing boats in Norway. It was tough and dangerous work, but the pay was astounding - the kind of money I had never seen before. The thought began to take root in my mind: "Maybe I should try my luck?" The Road to the Ship: Training, Documents, and Initial Challenges The journey from the idea to the moment I stepped on the ship took several months. Working at sea is not something you can just jump into. I had to take safety courses, obtain medical clearance, and learn the basics of working in a marine environment. I embraced this with passion and realized that if you want a high salary and opportunities, you have to work hard. As soon as I had all the necessary documents, I started trying to get a job on a ship. It turned out to be more difficult than I thought: no one was willing to hire a newcomer without maritime experience, especially from a country where the sea is only in pictures. But I didn't give up. Eventually, I got the position, and on November 1, 2023, I was aboard my first crab fishing vessel. The First Season: Cold, Storms, and the First Catch I boarded just as the crab fishing season was starting - one of the most challenging times for beginners. Imagine: winter in the northern seas, temperatures dropping to -25, and then there's the rocking of the sea, the wind, and the freezing water that chills you to the bone. At first, I thought I couldn't take it anymore. I felt dizzy, nauseous, my hands trembled from the cold, but I didn't give up. The process of crab fishing itself is like a gamble. First, we set the traps and then wait for the catch. When we haul up the nets and see they're full of crabs, the adrenaline is at its peak, and the fatigue is instantly forgotten. I learned a lot in the first month. The Crew and Life Onboard Onboard, we are like a family. Here, everyone is responsible for their own tasks, and we all know we have to rely on each other. The crew consists of people from different countries and ages, and they all became almost like brothers to me. The captain, a man with an iron character and a stern look, became an example for me. Life on the ship was simple, but I can't say I was bored. Everyone had a bunk bed, their own cabin, and space for personal belongings. Meals were organized, - every moment was free for relaxation, not for luxury. The Dangers of the Sea: What It Means to Be a Sailor Working on a crab fishing vessel is not just about high salaries, but also standing on a slippery deck, battling a storm - all of this requires iron endurance. In the first few days onboard, I struggled with seasickness. Every morning started with nausea, but over time my body got used to it. Now, when someone among the newcomers struggles with seasickness, I give them advice: "Be patient for a few days, the sea is a harsh teacher, but if you endure, it will accept you." Salary and Important Goals Earnings on a crab fishing boat are not just high - they allow me to create a future I couldn't have dreamed of. My first trip brought me the sum On average, you can earn between 8,000 and 14,000 euros per month, and sometimes more. Why I'm Proud: How the Sea Became My Life Today, after several trips, I can call myself a true navigator. I've gone through hardships, worked alongside experienced people, and every time I'm on deck, I feel like I'm doing something truly important. The sea has become for me not just a workplace, but a part of life. It's like an elemental force that cleanses and strengthens, a reinforcement to be proud of.

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