Alexander · Moldova
From a fish processing plant to crab fishing at sea
Alexander, from the Republic of Moldova, started out at a fish processing plant, where he got his Norwegian ID and sent his CV to employers. With Alexey's help he went to sea for the first time in February 2024, on a vessel fishing for crab, and says the reality exceeded all his expectations.
1 / 7 · Before “This was my starting point.”
My name is Alexander, I'm from the Republic of Moldova and I have a higher education. Before I got on a vessel, I worked at a fish processing plant.
This was my starting point. I spent about two months there, and in that time I registered my address and got my Norwegian ID.
2 / 7 · Why I wanted a change “I wanted change, new challenges and, of course, a good income.”
My decision to try a career at sea came from a few simple things. I wanted change, new challenges and, of course, a good income. The work on shore was only the first step towards that.
3 / 7 · What did not work on my own “At first, getting a job on a vessel is not easy.”
While I was working at the plant, I was sending my CV to employers. Along the way I learned what it takes to work at sea: the S.T.C.W. courses and the medical examination are mandatory, and so is English at A2 level or higher. Good physical fitness matters a lot too.
At first, getting a job on a vessel is not easy. That's why you need patience, persistence and a bit of luck.
4 / 7 · What helped me “Without his recommendations and support, my chances would have been much lower.”
On this path I was helped by Alexey, the creator of the FishingWay project. He explained in detail how to organise the job search, which documents to prepare and how to write a proper CV.
“To get on a vessel, you need patience, persistence and a bit of luck.”
Alexey also shared contacts of reliable employers, and my efforts became far more focused. Without his recommendations and support, my chances would have been much lower.
5 / 7 · What changed “My reality exceeded all my expectations.”
My first trip to sea was in February 2024. The emotions were hard to put into words: joy, excitement and the anticipation of a new chapter in my life. On board, the mate gave us a briefing and explained how to act in different situations.
On the vessel where I worked, we fished for crab. During a shift we changed positions, so I got to learn every part of the job. The crew was about 37 people of different nationalities, and on board we spoke English, sometimes Russian too. With your colleagues you need respect, responsibility and a willingness to help.
Life on board runs to a schedule: two people share a cabin, and the food is varied and always free. In our free time we read, watch films, talk to family over the internet or just rest in the relaxation room. During my time working I learned a lot of new things and broadened my skills. Now I plan to keep developing in this field and maybe, in the future, try vessels from other countries. My reality exceeded all my expectations.
6 / 7 · The hard part “The 12/12 schedule can be exhausting, especially in cold, rain or strong wind.”
We worked in shifts: 8 hours on, then 4 hours of rest, another 4 hours on and 8 hours of rest. Out of 24 hours, 12 go to work. The 12/12 schedule can be exhausting, especially in cold, rain or strong wind.
Once the temperature on board dropped to -20 degrees and the machinery froze. But the team always helped us get through the hard parts.
Earnings on the vessel are about 2600 Norwegian kroner a day, and with bonuses they can reach 10,000 euros a month. That level of income fully justifies the hardships and the distance from land.
7 / 7 · My advice to you “Working on a vessel is not just a profession, it's a lifestyle.”
For a newcomer, the most important thing is to listen to the captain, the mate and the shift leader. If something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask. And it matters a lot to want to work and to be ready to learn.
If you're thinking about a career at sea, study English, work on your fitness and be ready to keep learning. Working at sea is not only hard work, it's also a unique chance to see the world, meet amazing people and step outside the ordinary.
Working on a vessel is not just a profession, it's a lifestyle. And I'm grateful to Alexey (FishingWay) for opening the door to this new life for me.
Alexander
first sea trip in February 2024, on a crab fishing vessel
