Commercial Fishing Crew Member License
Anyone who helps with the commercial harvest of salmon in Alaska, needs to have a crew member license. If you are an Alaska resident, the cost is $60. If you are an out of state resident, it costs $252. You should have a printed copy with you along with your photo ID onboard the fishing vessel with you.
Purchase your Crew Member License from the State of AK HERE
Looking for a Job or Looking for Crew?
Resources:
There are various Facebook pages where captains & crew can post:
Crew Contract
Crew contracts are required by law. A signed crew contract is a legal document that minimizes risk for both the skipper and the crewmember by spelling out what duties are expected, how shares and expenses are divided and other details that could otherwise lead to conflict. A key component is disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions, which could be important to the skipper in defending against an injury claim. A crew contract should include information on the crewmember that includes social security number, winter address and health insurance information. Many captains have an established crew contract they use but here are some examples for anyone needing it.
Alaska Sea Grant has created a draft crew contract to get you started - LINKED HERE
Here is another version from Alaska Young Fisherman’s Network with additions to address COVID-19 - LINKED HERE
For more information on wages and laws for deckhands, view these FAQs from AK deparment of labor - LINKED HERE
Crewshares & Taxes
Crew are paid as independent contractors. This means there are no withholdings from your crew share for federal/state income taxes and Social Security. It is your responsibility to file federal and state tax returns and pay the taxes you owe. Depending on total yearly income and your deductions and exemptions, the amount you have to pay in taxes could be from one-quarter to one-third of your gross income. Here is some more information about taxes for fishing boat deckhands.
Come Prepared (training videos & links)
KNOTS
Commercial Fishing Knots 101 from Popsie Fish Co.
QUALITY HANDLING
Alaska Salmon Harvesting - Gillnetting Quality Handling Guide
PACKING LIST
Ask you captain if there is certain gear they recommend and make sure you know which supplies you are responsible for bringing and what is supplied for the crew.
Packing list from BristolBayCrew.com
More gear tips and tricks from AK Salmon Sisters
Safety & Health
Commercial fishing is really hard work, it is hard on your body and can it can be a mental challenge as well to work long hours in a small space with a crew that you may have just met. Managing your physical and mental health is key to a successful season. Working on the water is also dangerous, Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) is the leader in marine safety. They have many resources on safety skills, from man overboard drills to injury prevention.
Marine Safety Knowledge Base Resources
Safety Training Videos
Come Informed
Learn about the fishery and unique ecology of Bristol Bay in the beautiful film from University of Washington Alaska Salmon Program
Other Important Resources:
AK Young Fisherman’s Network
The Alaska Fishermen’s Network works to build skill and opportunity for the next generation of Alaska fishermen. We value mentorship, stewardship, education, accountability, hard work and community health. We create and promote opportunities for fishermen to understand and engage in policy and management decisions, and become leaders in diverse arenas of the fish world on and off the water.
Seagrant’s Fish Biz
Financial and business tools for Alaska commercial seafood harvesters brought to you by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
