Looking for Information on Finding Employment at Sea

[Jameyson72]

I have always dreamed of working out at sea and have thought about finding a job on a shrimp or commercial crabbing boat. I have never actually worked at sea, but I do have some experience on the ocean and am not afraid of hard work. Does anyone know how I could procure work in the Los Angeles area?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jameyson.

[denverd0n]

Let me google that for you

[sharkbait]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Let me google that for you

I've never seen that one. Beautiful.

[GeneM]

If you want to work on ships, check out Cal Maritime in Vallejo.

[crabcake]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Let me google that for you

[Jameyson72]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Let me google that for you

Thanks for the suggestion. I've tried Google with no success. I asked here because I figured with the niche someone would have more relevant information.

[jeremiason]

The fishing industry is not like the Merchant Marine.... You can't just show up at the union hall with a Seaman's card and wait for work... You don't need any certifications to work fishing boats as a crewman.


If you are set on Commercial Fishing:


Find out were the local commercial boats are in your area and start walking the docks... A good time to show up is a couple hours before they are leaving, since their own crewman fail to show on occasion.


Once you have worked a couple of boats, you will gain a reputation and other Captains will hear about you.


If you would rather work in the Commercial Maritime field... There are a couple of ways to go....


If you do not want to go to the Maritime Academies (College) then I would suggest contacting the Inland Boatman's Union (IBU) Southern California Region in San Pedro. They can provide information on how to get your USCG Certifications and Union Card to work as a Merchant Marine


Here is there link: https://www.ilwu.org/contact/629-2/

[roygee]

When I was out and about, the local bar spot was the employment agency. If you cannot get a job, you are not going to hang anyway.

[TomLewis]

Originally Posted by roygee

When I was out and about, the local bar spot was the employment agency. If you cannot get a job, you are not going to hang anyway.

I believe around 80% of all jobs are gotten by word of mouth. I personally have gotten most of my jobs this way, so hit the bars, that where it happens.

[Jameyson72]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

The fishing industry is not like the Merchant Marine.... You can't just show up at the union hall with a Seaman's card and wait for work... You don't need any certifications to work fishing boats as a crewman.


If you are set on Commercial Fishing:


Find out were the local commercial boats are in your area and start walking the docks... A good time to show up is a couple hours before they are leaving, since their own crewman fail to show on occasion.


Once you have worked a couple of boats, you will gain a reputation and other Captains will hear about you.


If you would rather work in the Commercial Maritime field... There are a couple of ways to go....


If you do not want to go to the Maritime Academies (College) then I would suggest contacting the Inland Boatman's Union (IBU) Southern California Region in San Pedro. They can provide information on how to get your USCG Certifications and Union Card to work as a Merchant Marine


Here is there link: https://www.ilwu.org/contact/629-2/

Thanks so much for this info. That's exactly what I was looking for!

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Jameyson72

Thanks so much for this info. That's exactly what I was looking for!

I am glad I could help...

Good luck!