Deckhand/Fishing Crew Training

Application period for the 2023 fishing season is open! ALFA’s Crew Training Program helps skippers select, prepare and safely introduce greenhorn, beginner crew to commercial fishing, while also providing resources to young people to ensure they are ready for their first professional fishing experience.

Visit www.alfafish.org/crewtraining to learn more. Or contact Natalie Sattler at program.director@alfafish.org.

For the 2023 season, ALFA will be placing two types of deckhands. The vast majority of deckhands will be on troll or longline vessels, but we may have a few seine and gillnet opportunities as well. Read on to learn more and to apply!

Deckhands will be compensated for their time. 

1) Short-term experience:  Maybe you’ve always wanted to experience commercial fishing, but other obligations are keeping you from fishing a whole season. Or, you want to give fishing a try (and find out how it suits you) before you commit to months on the water! If this is your case a short-term experience (lasting one day to one week) might be right for you!

2) Long-term experience:  You are ready to dive into commercial fishing and start your first fishing job! With positions lasting from one week to several (3-4) months, longer term positions pay a normal deckhand fare and are a great opportunity for those interested in going deeper into the world of commercial fishing, through a life-changing summer experience.