Memories of Life at Sea: A Journey on a Fishing Boat in the Late Twentieth Century

Have you ever worked on a commercial fishing vessel? My journey on a fishing boat started in Grimsby, a former commercial fishing port in England, often known as one of the largest fishing ports in the world. Grimsby, situated on the eastern coast of England, sent its fishing vessels to icy lands like Iceland, Greenland, and the White Sea. While the region once thrived with fishing activity, my experience and the conditions of those who sailed there have left a lasting impression.

The Early Days

1963 marked a significant shift in the commercial fishing industry, with the advent of refrigeration. However, the vast majority of trawlers continued to operate as 'wet' fishers, meaning they carried loose ice to keep the fish fresh. These fishing vessels had to be back in port within 28 days, otherwise, the fish would spoil. This meant that after a voyage of around 5 days to the chosen fishing grounds, a few days returning, and then more than 50 days of fishing, the crew and their catch were left with a confined duration of work at sea.

The ships we worked on were generally around 50 meters in length, with a crew of about 21. As a young teenager of 15, I served as a 'decky learner', helping in various tasks on one of these vessels. The ship fished primarily off Iceland and in the Barents Sea. This experience lasted one year before I moved on to a merchant ship to navigate the vast and often treacherous East Asian waters.

The Puller Experience

At the age of 17, a brief but memorable stint as a puller on a two-man trawler added to my maritime experience. A puller was an all-around worker, essentially an assistant to the skipper. I assisted in various tasks, including helping to moor the boat to the dock. The role required a strong sense of responsibility, as my tasks involved safety on the vessel.

It was a job that left a lasting legacy. Despite my young age, I was fortunate to work under a skipper nicknamed "Suicide" Johnson. This moniker reflected the relentless and fearless nature of the man, who often fished in dangerous conditions to ensure a catch. In storms, I recall, other fishers would choose to remain in port, but Johnson would insist on carrying on. Even 45 years later, when I think back on that time, I am struck by the sheer determination and the perilous nature of that line of work.

Conclusion

My time on the fishing boat in the late 1900s taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the overwhelming respect for the open sea. It was a period marked by sweat, tears, and the occasional bout of fear, yet it was also filled with camaraderie and a deep bond with the land and sea. Despite the challenges, my time on a fishing vessel in the heart of commercial fishing will always hold a special place in my heart.

Keywords: commercial fishing, fishing boat, fishing port