Sometimes everything starts with a simple idea.
In my case — with stories that fishermen earn good money.

In 9th grade, I decided to enroll in a fishing technical college in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi and study to become a trawl master. No one in my family had ever worked at sea. I didn’t have mentors or guidance — just ambition and the desire to earn real money.

Of course, there were fears. I was 18 years old, and I understood that once you go to sea, it becomes real very fast.

My First Vessel and the Hard Reality

I first stepped on a vessel during my third year of college. The school offered an internship, and I immediately agreed — I wanted experience and income.

One month later, my classmate and I were flying to Africa, to Mauritania.

On the way, we met experienced sailors. To them, we were just kids.

The hardest part during the first days wasn’t the work — it was realizing that you’re not home anymore.
No parents. No comfort. Five months ahead at sea.

The first month was brutal.

Especially during unloading operations:

• 6 hours carrying 30 kg boxes of fish
• 6 hours rest
• then another 6 hours of work

There were days when I wanted to quit.

Almost every day, actually.

But after about a month, it became easier. The body adapts. The mind adjusts.

The first month at sea is not a fight with the job — it's a fight with yourself.

Why I Chose Norway

The idea of moving to Norway came later, during my last trip with a Dutch company.

I realized the money I was earning no longer matched the effort I was putting in.

My brother influenced the decision as well — he moved to Norway three months before me and explained how things worked there.

When I relocated, the move itself wasn’t difficult.

But finding the first job was.

There was almost no clear information available.

For weeks, I sat in front of my computer trying to understand:

• how to contact vessel owners
• where to find companies
• who to email
• who to call

After two months, I had built my own database of Norwegian employers:

• crab vessels
• fishing vessels
• fish factories
• service boats

Once I completed the necessary paperwork and settled in the municipality, I started calling every contact from that list.

One day, an offshore vessel owner called me back.

He offered me a one-month contract as a deckhand.

That’s how my Norwegian chapter began.

The Reality of Working on Norwegian Vessels

Two things surprised me the most:

the salary and the way crew members are treated.

An ordinary deckhand can earn from €7,000 per month, and you are treated with respect.

You are valued.
You are heard.
You are seen as a professional.

The Hardest Moments

The most difficult periods were between crab seasons when I worked on smaller fishing vessels.

There were no standard watch systems.

Sometimes I had to work 18–22 hours per day.

That’s physically and mentally exhausting.

The Strongest Moments

The strongest moments, honestly, were salary days.

After taxes, I earned up to €14,000 per month.

My first serious paycheck was:

€11,000 for 44 days of work on an offshore vessel.

That’s when I understood that Norway offered far better conditions for the same type of work I had done before.

When you receive your first serious paycheck, you realize all the struggle was worth it.

What Changed in Me

After several years at sea in different countries, I developed a different mindset.

You have to think ahead.
You have to look for better opportunities.
You cannot stay comfortable for too long.

If I could speak to my 19-year-old self, I would say:

Stop wasting time. Learn from experienced people. Always look for the next level.

Why I Created CrabNorway

Over time, I noticed a huge amount of fraud in the Norwegian fishing job market.

People were losing money to fake agencies and dishonest intermediaries.

That’s why I started sharing my experience publicly:

• to provide real information
• to show the actual working conditions
• to help people avoid expensive mistakes

Who I Can Help Today

Today, I help people:

• get jobs on fishing vessels
• enter the crab fishing industry
• find work at fish processing factories
• understand real conditions before making a decision

I also work with opportunities in the UK and Denmark within the fishing industry.

What You Must Understand Before Choosing This Path

Working at sea is not quick money and not an easy life.

You need to:

• remove unrealistic expectations
• prepare for hard physical work
• move step by step
• stay disciplined

But for those who are ready — this path can change everything.

Thinking About Working at Sea?

If you want to understand whether this path is right for you and avoid beginner mistakes — start with verified information and move step by step.