Can I work on a fishing boat with no work experience?
Asked by journeymanjim
So, a strange question, this one; I really want to experience the world, and have lots of different jobs, meet new people, etc. I was thinking, I'd like to try jobs that are unique and vastly different to jobs I've had in the past; like working on a fishing boat, or milking cows on a farm, or lending a hand backstage for an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. You get the idea. I was thinking, I could ask employers if they need an extra hand from someone who has no relevant experience but is willing to work for no wage. I could say I'm a writer and doing it for research (I really do write, so it wouldn't really be a lie). They don't need to pay me a penny! I'll just help out. For a day or two (maybe more if the work isn't too strenuous). So, my question is, do you think employers would say yes to this? Could I really work on a fishing boat and help pulling prawn-tangled nets from the ocean waves, if I just go and ask, offering my labour for no money whatsoever? Are there laws that prevent this? Anyone know if this is a stupid idea? Any help or opinions on this would be really appreciated. Thanks! Jim

Best Answer:
They usually dont require experience because it is a dangerous job, and most people dont want to do it. Also it isnt likely that you would only be able to do it for a day or two since many do not return to port nightly, and they would be investing a lot of time and effort into training you, much more than 2 days, and they are just losing money on you until you become productive(trained and experienced) Also I guarantee you that the work is very strenuous. If you say you are willing to work for no wage to those people they are likely to not take you seriously btw. Anyone who says they want to work on a fishing boat for no wage they are going to assume has not even an inkling of an idea of what they would be doing. Have a look at the people who are on those boats. You will be able to tell from a distance that they are the kinda guys who laugh when guys working desk jobs say they had a "hard day at work"

sure would. most likely. my dad worked on a fishing boat for the same reason as you!
Answered by landyachtzluver

If you don't get seasick, don't mind the stench and salt, your good to go.
Answered by David

i dont see y not?
Answered by ??????????

It sounds like it could be an interesting experience, but I doubt you'll find many takers. People are in their respective businesses to make money, and hiring someone with no knowledge or experience who just wants to try it out for a couple of days to see what it's like would cost them money in lost productivity, even if you worked for free. Not to mention their responsibility if you're injured. Also, I think you're underestimating the difficulty of some jobs. It's kind of insulting to imply that you could just step in and work alongside people who have training or experience in a job just so you can see what it's like. It can't hurt to ask, though. Although when you're talking to the burly, salty dog who runs the fishing boat, telling him you want to help pull his "prawn-tangled nets from the ocean waves" (as long as it's not too strenuous) probably won't work in your favor.
Answered by rookgaroo