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Fish Processing Onboard Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled ... Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in ...

We manage three trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands ... Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience fishing onboard H&G vessels in Alaskan waters. Duties ...

We manage three trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands ... Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience fishing onboard H&G vessels in Alaskan waters. Duties ...

Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$450 - $650/day

Our vessel operates as an at sea fish processing vessel taking over the side deliveries from catcher boats. Our factory produces fillet and surimi products for international and domestic markets.

Mate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$450 - $650/day

Our vessel operates as an at sea fish processing vessel taking over the side deliveries from catcher boats. Our factory produces fillet and surimi products for international and domestic markets.

Mate

Seattle, WA

$450 - $650/day

Our vessel operates as an at sea fish processing vessel taking over the side deliveries from catcher boats. Our factory produces fillet and surimi products for international and domestic markets.

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Fish Processing Onboard Vessel information

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How much do fish processing onboard vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for fish processing onboard vessel in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fish Processing Onboard Vessel position, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Fish Processing Onboard Vessel worker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, the ability to follow strict food safety guidelines, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial fish processing equipment, personal protective gear, and basic safety or HACCP certifications is commonly required. Teamwork, adaptability, and a strong work ethic are vital soft skills in this fast-paced, close-quarters environment. These qualifications ensure efficient, safe handling of seafood products while maintaining quality standards during extended periods at sea.

What is a Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job?

A Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job involves working on a fishing vessel to clean, sort, and package seafood for market. Crew members operate machinery, remove unwanted parts, and ensure that fish meet quality standards. The work is physically demanding, often requiring long hours in cold and wet conditions. Workers must also follow strict hygiene and safety regulations to maintain product quality. This job is essential in the seafood industry, ensuring fresh fish is processed efficiently while still at sea.

What is the typical work schedule and environment like for fish processing jobs onboard a vessel?

Fish processing roles onboard a vessel usually involve working 12-hour shifts, often in rotation, to maximize productivity while the boat is actively fishing at sea. The work environment can be cold, humid, and noisy due to the refrigeration and processing machinery, and employees spend extended periods away from shore. Team members work closely together in confined spaces, performing tasks such as sorting, cleaning, filleting, freezing, and packaging fish. This collaborative setting fosters strong camaraderie but also requires flexibility and cooperation to handle long hours and variable workloads. Many companies provide meals, living quarters, and safety training to support crews during their time at sea.

More about Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs
What cities are hiring for Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs? Cities with the most Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs? The most popular types of Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs are:
What states have the most Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Processing Onboard Vessel jobs are:
Infographic showing various Fish Processing Onboard Vessel job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,986 per year, or $25.5 per hour.
First Mate

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.
USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons) required
Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing operations and port calls; coordinates with other vessel departments during fishing operations, offload, backload and during transfer of personnel; inspects all areas of the vessel on an ongoing basis to ensure proper storage of supplies and product. Mates maintain records, reports and documents as required by the company, the US Coast Guard and other agencies. Mates also conduct safety drills and train the crew in performing safe work practices in accordance with OSHA, company policy and other guidelines. Mates provide emergency or routine medical assistance to crew, and coordinate for proper transfer of crew requiring additional medical care. Mates may perform the work of a deckhand as necessary (see Deckhand job description).
Essential Duties
Mates must be able to:
  • Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include but not limited to:
    • Commercial fishing equipment - Net reel, trawl gear, winches, cranes
    • Navigational equipment - Sonar, radar, fathometer, GPS
    • Communications equipment - VHF, satellite, telex, radio
  • Supervise bridge watch standing activities.
  • Supervise and direct all deck personnel.
  • Supervise all operations of the vessel not involving the direct operation of the factory.
  • Coordinate with all vessel departments and supervise on a continual basis.
  • Manage all at-sea medical and emergency operations.
  • Provide direct medical care to injured crew as necessary.
  • Direct the transfer of crew on and off the vessel.
  • Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory agencies.
  • Inspect vessel areas on a regular basis to ensure safe operation and the proper storage of supplies and product.

Work Schedule
  • Typical work hours are 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, however, the Mate is responsible on a 24 hours per day basis.
  • Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
  • Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
  • While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
  • Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid, and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets, and aluminum pans.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
  • While performing the duties of this job, Mates are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Requirements
Education, Experience
  • Catcher processor captain experience.
  • USCG Mate's License (min. 500 tons)
  • USCG Medical Emergency response training.
  • USCG Drill Instructor training.
  • Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
  • 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years.

Physical Demands
All employees must be able to:
  • Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob's ladder without assistance.
  • Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
  • Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
  • Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
  • Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
  • Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
  • Use fingers, hands, and arms to push, pull and reach.
  • Bend and twist.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
  • Work in a cold and wet environment.
  • Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O'Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities
All employees must be able to:
  • Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
  • Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Live and work with others in close quarters.
  • Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
  • Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
  • Discern between various shades of color for reading navigational equipment, charts, identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms and warnings.

Benefits
  • Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
  • 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
  • Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)
  • O'Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.

Compensation
  • Crew-share compensation
  • $850 - $1150 average daily rate DOE

O'Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.