Sandu · Moldova
From chef in England to sailor on a crab fishing vessel in Norway
Sandu holds a chef's diploma and spent several years in England working as a chef, on construction sites and in factories. In Norway he started at a fish factory he found on his own, and with Alexey's help became a sailor on a crab fishing vessel, where he worked a full season.
1 / 7 · Before “I earned steadily, but I decided to change everything.”
I come from Moldova and I hold a chef's diploma. At home I worked in my field. Then I moved to England, lived there for several years and tried different jobs: I was a chef, a construction worker, and I worked in factories.
The money came in regularly, between 3,000 and 3,500 pounds a month. It seemed like everything was fine. I earned steadily, but I decided to change everything.
2 / 7 · Why I wanted a change “I started noticing people online talking about working in Norway”
Everything changed when I started noticing people online talking about working in Norway. They talked about tempting salaries of 7,000 euros and more, about stability, about being able to save money. That seriously motivated me.
I started looking for where and how to go. I sent my CV to various fish factories in Norway, got a few invitations, had a short interview and landed my first job. That's how my journey began.
3 / 7 · What did not work on my own “Without him, I wouldn't have known where to start, where to look or how to act.”
The factory was the first stage, and it gave me a lot. I learned to tell different types of fish apart, understood how packaging and logistics work, and worked with people from different countries. It was a very useful period of adaptation, and it prepared me for my main goal: going to sea.
For the vessel, though, I needed Alexey. I'll be honest: without him, I wouldn't have known where to start, where to look or how to act.
4 / 7 · What helped me “I just did what he told me, and it worked.”
Alexey Matkovsky and his project AlexFishingWay helped me get a job on a vessel. Thanks to him, I got employer contacts, instructions for my CV and support at every stage. I just did what he told me, and it worked.
“This profession requires strength, patience and determination, but it also gives you a lot in return.”
To apply for a job on a vessel I needed only two documents: the Basic Safety STCW safety course and a Norwegian medical certificate. That was all it took.
5 / 7 · What changed “And I myself feel that I chose the right path.”
On the crab fishing vessel everything was clearly organised. The crew was calm, friendly and full of humour. The atmosphere is work-focused but respectful: everyone knows why they're there, and everyone supports each other.
The conditions are excellent. The cabin had two comfortable beds, a large table and lockers for our things. The food was tasty and varied, all inclusive, and work clothes are provided on board. My contract paid 3,000 NOK a day, which came to 90,000 NOK a month, or $9,000.
I worked the season right to the end and was very satisfied. My friends and family are very proud of me. And I myself feel that I chose the right path.
6 / 7 · The hard part “You can be at sea for two to four weeks without a break.”
Yes, the sea is not dry land. You can be at sea for two to four weeks without a break. But the pay matches it.
This profession requires strength, patience and determination. But it also gives you a lot in return.
7 / 7 · My advice to you “Working at sea is not easy, but it's worth every effort.”
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 and the opportunities are real. The key is desire and the right guide.
Personally, I was helped by Alexey and his course. 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 someone trustworthy to advise and help you, write to Alexey. He knows how to get you to sea, even if you've never been on a vessel.
Sandu
a full season on a crab fishing vessel, Norway
