Deck Crew

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CAPTAIN AND HIS ASSISTANT (MATE)

The captain was responsible for the whole ship. Most importantly it was up to him whether the crew made any money and whether we all arrived safely back to the harbour. He was constantly in touch with the deck crew, decided where and when to set the net, and when to haul it. He also acted as the “doctor” of the ship.

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DECKBOSS

The deck boss was responsible for tying the boat to the dock and the continuous process of setting and hauling net from the sea. Along with the captain, the deckboss regulated the entire process. He also ensured that the deck is fully equipped and that the deck crew working conditions are safe.

One needs but to stand on the wrong side of the rope, or even just have bad luck and he’s thrown straight into the sea, resulting in a serious injury or immediate death.life of a fisherman

For this position one needs a decent experience (at least a few years) as deckhand. Ropes and chains are subject to much strain, especially during bad weather and with a net hauling up to 100 tons of fish. One needs but to stand on the wrong side of the rope, or even just have bad luck and he’s thrown straight into the sea, resulting in a serious injury or immediate death. I’ve been told of one time when a rope entangled around one of my colleague’s legs and subsequently crushed it. Another time a fisherman lost his leg due to small lack of attention; the deckhand controlling the steel doors from the lifetank didn’t notice that one of his colleagues slipped there and he closed the doors on him. It was the deckboss’ responsibility to prevent these accidents.

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DECKHAND

To me, this is one of the most exciting jobs there is. I moved very close to chains and ropes that are often subject to extreme stress.

This job claims several lives every fishing season…life of a fisherman

This job claims several lives every fishing season especially on crabbers, poorly maintained boats and smaller ships. That was not the case for Ocean Peace as it is very well maintained. Deckhand must be skilled with knots, strong, quick and most importantly, he must be rigorous. To become a deckhand on our boat, I had to be one of the best in the factory crew, and help on the deck anytime there was an opportunity. Some of the companies may require an AB license.

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COMBI

The position of a combi was the midpoint between factory work and a deckhand position – he was gaining experience as a deckhand. He primarily worked in the factory, but when the net was being set or hauled he went on the deck. Only the best from the factory became combi, and only if they really wished to.

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