Bringing together experienced personnel and young staffers, fishermen and millennials, generates innovative and sustainable solutions.
Evgeny Vasilyev's experience, skill, unwavering focus and determination helps keep our deck crew safe and our vessels harvesting efficiently.
Working twelve-hour deck shifts in the coldest, most challenging fishing conditions on earth, saying he is tough would frankly be an understatement. In this post we will get to know Evgeny Vasilyev through a series of questions.
How did you start you career at sea?
I was born and grew up on the banks of the great Volga River, during my school years, every summer I spent with friends on the banks of the river and looked at the ships passing by. They seemed to us huge and unreal, our fantasies knew no boundaries. Then the dream of becoming a sailor was born.
After graduating from school, I studied for 3 years in a river school. Then 1 year I studied at the institute for a water transport engineer, from there I went to serve in the Navy. Upon completion of service in the Navy, I entered naval school, after which I received a referral to work in the fishing fleet. So, it all began.
What do you do during an average shift on the vessel?
I work 12 hours a day. Having taken over the shift, I first of all conduct a visual inspection of the deck mechanisms of the trawling complex, as well as deck rigging, winches and hoisting mechanisms.
I am instructing on safety with the workers on my shift. I train young members of the deck crew. I lead from the deck the ascent and descent during the setting and hauling of trawls for catching krill. I monitor air pressure sensors in air hoses, control the filling of krill bins.
In addition, with the workers of the deck crew of my shift, I am engaged in the preparation of individual new parts and elements of the trawl or repairing used ones.
What is the toughest part of your job?
The most difficult thing in my work is the selection and setting of trawls in stormy and icy conditions.
How do you think the new vessel will make your job better/easier?
I think that at the first stages it will not be easy, as the vessel needs to be prepared for harvesting. We are waiting for a lot of serious work!
Are there any special traditions you have on board?
One of our biggest traditions is Neptune Day, the transition of the equator. The holiday is one of the best maritime traditions, where beginners are also initiated into real sailors.
How do you stay focused for months at a time at sea?
I spend 4-5 months at sea. Initially, I set myself up for this period of work, plan my work period. In difficult moments, thoughts of loved ones and friends always warm the soul, which helps me to be focused. I completely devote myself to work, which makes me collected and attentive.
Read more: High fives on the sea
In just one sentence, explain what you think makes Aker BioMarine as a company so unique?
Caring for employees occupies one of the important places of the company, which makes it unique and causes a great desire to cooperate with this organization.
If you were naming our next vessel what would you call it, and why?
I would call the vessel Ice Ocean since fishing will take place in the Antarctic in ice fields between icebergs.