Sandu's Story: From Chef to Sailor on a Crab Fishing Boat in Norway

Sandu, 30 years old, Republic of Moldova: From Chef to Sailor on a Crab Fishing Vessel in Norway

I come from Moldova and hold a chef's diploma. At home, I worked in my specialty, but in England - where I lived for several years - I tried different professions: I was a chef, a construction worker, and worked in factories. I earned steadily - from 3000 to 3500 pounds a month. It seemed like everything was fine, but...

Why did I decide to change everything?

Everything changed when I started noticing people online talking about working in Norway. Tempting salaries - 7,000 euros and more, stability, the possibility to save money. That seriously motivated me.

I started looking for options on where and how to go. I sent my CV to various fish factories in Norway - received a few invitations, had a short interview, and got my first job. That's how my journey began.

First steps: a fish factory in Norway

I gained important experience at the factory: I learned to understand different types of fish, how the packaging and logistics process works, and worked with people from different countries. It was a very useful stage of adaptation. Moreover, this job helped me prepare for my main goal - going to sea.

I only needed two documents to apply for a job on a vessel:
- Basic Safety STCW (safety course)
- Norwegian medical certificate.

Working on a crab fishing boat: how it works

Alexey Matkovsky and his project AlexFisherWay helped me get a job on a vessel. Thanks to him, I received contacts with employers, CV instructions, and support at every stage. I just did what he told me - and it worked!

Everything on the boat was clearly organized. The crew was calm, friendly, and humorous. The atmosphere is work-focused but respectful. Everyone knows why they're here and supports each other.

The conditions are excellent:
- I had two comfortable beds in the cabin, a large table, and closets for belongings
- The food is tasty, varied - all inclusive
- Work clothes are provided on the vessel.

Yes, the sea is not dry land. You can be on a trip for two to four weeks without a break. But the pay matches. In my contract, I had a rate of 3,000 NOK per day, and the salary for a month was 90,000 NOK, which is $9,000.

Outcome and plans

I worked the season to the end and was very satisfied with it. I've already decided that next year I will definitely go to Norway again.
My friends and family are very proud of me. And I myself feel that I chose the right path. This profession requires strength, patience, and determination - but it also gives you a lot in return.

My advice for newcomers

If you're reading these lines right now, think seriously. Working at sea is not easy, but it's worth every effort. The salaries are high, the opportunities are real.
The key is the desire and the right guide.

Personally, Alexey and his course helped me. Without him, I wouldn't have known where to start, where to look, and how to act. But with him, everything went step by step, clearly and efficiently.

Want to make a change? Then don't be afraid and start taking action.
And if you need a trustworthy person to advise and help you - write to Alexey.
He knows how to make you feel comfortable at sea, even if you've never been on a vessel.