Michael · Moldova
From construction sites in Prague to a crab fishing vessel in Norway
Michael, originally from Moldova, worked in construction in Prague until 2020 but kept dreaming of Norway's crab fishing vessels. After obtaining EU citizenship, he prepared his documents, kept searching for work without giving up and signed his contract the same evening he reached the ship.
1 / 7 · Before “The thought of working on crab fishing vessels in Norway never left me”
I'm originally from Moldova. Until 2020 I lived and worked in the Czech Republic, in Prague, in construction. But one thought kept coming back to me. The thought of working on crab fishing vessels in Norway never left me.
2 / 7 · Why I wanted a change “I realized this was exactly what I was looking for”
Everything changed when I met Alexey Matkovsky, an expert from the FishingWay project. He told me in detail about working at sea, both the advantages and the disadvantages. He didn't hide the difficulties, and yet the conclusion was clear. I realized this was exactly what I was looking for.
And once I had obtained EU citizenship, I decided it was time to act.
3 / 7 · What did not work on my own “The hardest part was finding a job”
I travelled to Norway to prepare all the documents I needed for work. The first steps were a medical exam and a basic safety certificate. Those steps mattered, but they weren't what tested me. The hardest part was finding a job.
I sent out CVs and called companies, one after another. There were moments when the process seemed as if it would never end.
4 / 7 · What helped me “He inspired me not to give up and to keep going”
I never lost faith, but I wasn't alone in it either. Alexey Matkovsky played an important role: he gave me advice and supported me throughout the search. He inspired me not to give up and to keep going, even when everything seemed to take too long.
“I sent out CVs, called companies and never lost faith.”
The rest was down to me: the CVs I sent, the calls I made, the patience to carry on. His support and my persistence went hand in hand.
5 / 7 · What changed “That same evening I signed the contract and my new life began”
One of the calls was decisive. The company asked if I was ready to fly out the next day, and I agreed on the spot. Within 20 minutes I had a plane ticket. I was met at the airport and taken straight to the ship. That same evening I signed the contract and my new life began.
Now I work on a crab fishing vessel. Meals, accommodation and transport are paid for by the company. I found a profession that gave me financial security and, on top of that, a unique experience. Working on a crab fishing vessel offers unique opportunities: seeing the northern lights, dolphins, whales.
This experience has changed my life radically. Now I don't even think about other jobs: working at sea has become a way of life.
6 / 7 · The hard part “A workday in repairs lasts 8–10 hours, sometimes more”
It isn't easy work. A workday in repairs lasts 8–10 hours, sometimes more. The good part is that every hour is paid.
At first it was hard to believe I was really there, on the ship. But once the work started, all my doubts disappeared. Life on board is organised so that you can focus on your tasks.
The crew helps a lot. On the ship we're like a family: everyone is ready to help each other. Many people speak Russian, which makes communication much easier. In our free time we rest, talk to our families and can use the gym.
7 / 7 · My advice to you “Keep going towards your goal, even if the road seems difficult”
If you dream of working in crab fishing in Norway, my advice is simple: don't give up. Keep going towards your goal, even if the road seems difficult. With the right support, like I had with Alexey Matkovsky and FishingWay, you'll get past any difficulty.
And don't hold yourself back because you have no experience. To start, you don't need experience at sea or in the fishing industry. You need the desire, EU citizenship and the necessary documents.
Michael
on a crab fishing vessel, Norway
