Deckhand for Hire/ New Bedford: 10 mins from Dock

[NB Deckhand]

Deckhand for Hire in New Bedford, MA- 10 mins from dock

32 yrs old
6’ 200 lbs
Excellent physical condition & health
I live in New Bedford, MA- I can drive down Rt 18 and be at the dock in 10 minutes.
I can reach Gloucester in an hour and a half.
Heading to docks and networking but wanted throw my contact info out there in the meantime.
Enlisted in National Guard when I was 17- couldn’t actually leave to go to boot camp until I turned 18- served in Engineering unit on the Cape.
I have a strong back.
Day trips or Long Trips
Married with kids
Looking to join crew that acts as a team and a “brotherhood”.
Will take drug test.
No criminal record whatsoever-I’ll walk into local police station with you and they can check for warrants if you want, or you can perform standard background check.
Of course I have a driver’s license.
Let’s meet: I’ll give you references and even show you my credit report if you want.
Any other questions? Let’s have a sit down, call me 508-993-0912. Thanks.

James

[dancingetard]

Welcome to the site. I too live in the North end, NB. I have been assisting fishermen find boats during my normal networking within the fishing industry as well as moderator on this site. Perhaps I can offer some constructive tips that may help in your job search. I do not think that your criminal history, warrarnts & credit history will help or hurt you in finding a job. Most captains & boat owners will appreciate the fact that you have a drivers license & reliable vehicle, that is helpfull either commuting to other ports or being punctual & self sufficient on a day boat. Most everyone is more interested in your fishery specific experience & skills. If you have never worked on a fishing boat it is always best to be honest about that from the beginning, since Integrity is important among fishermen like honor among thieves. Be mindfull that though you have been on the straight & narrow; all within the industry have not. Keep in mind that your safety & survival depends on the guys on your boat, they may be great fishermen while at sea but also convicted felons,drunks/drug addicts or worse at the dock who may have also be veterans & fathers. Brotherhoods take time to build especially in the transient nature of fishing. I would also mention a brief summary of what you have done for work over the last 14years, what transferable skills you may have aquired in the National Guard. Being in an engineering unit did you learn to weld, repair hydraulics, diesels, electronincs etc that may make you more valuable than just having a strong back.

Kevin 617-963-9888

[NB Deckhand]

Thanks Kevin for the welcome and advice. Small world, I live over next to Brooklawn Park. I'm looking to join the industry because it is challenging and also rewarding. I've seen the great lives some commercial fisherman have provided to their families- and they busted their hump for it. I have never fished professionally, when I said I would give references I just meant work references in general-not from work on other boats. I didn't mean to imply that I have been out before- I can see how that would be read though. I have stable un-related work history for the past 14 yrs. I'm mechanically inclined and the guy friends call when their car breaks down but never worked on diesel engines etc...
I'm a level- headed guy with some basic gear willing to do grunt work trying to make a name for himself in this industry. Please let me know if you happen to come across someone looking for an entry level deckhand. Day trip or temp fill in. Thanks again for your reply, I appreciate it.
James-508.933.0912

[CJW]

Good luck with your search.I was in youir same position,32 6'2 and 210,married,kids,reliable truck back and all that shit.Also 0 experience offshore commercial fishing.Your gonna have to be at the docks every single day,early.It took me a week and a half to find work with no experience,the whole time fisherman telling me i had no chance breaking into this industry in this economy.I say fuck that,if your a level headed person you just have to sell them on why you would be a good fit on their boat,better yet why they need you on their boat.Also until the season is ready to start full swing,stay away from New Bedford.Theres to much going on there to get face time with a captain.I had great luck in Point Judith,theres some really good boats on the Cape and i had good luck over the bridge in Fairhaven,you have a better chance to actually talk to a captain at those ports.Trust me captains notice if your at the dock evryday at 6 and talking to every person you see for 4 days straight,they can tell you really wanna work.Also dont be afraid to approach the same Capt every time you see him.With in a week and a half i had phone calls from 7 diffrent captains and have made quite a few trips since then(i started looking for work 12/27/10 and sailed my first trip 1/6).Just keep at and dont get discouraged with all the rejection,by the time your ready to say fuck it,someone will call.Good luck.