Deep Sea Fishing
A typical trawler crew would consist of the Skipper, Mate, Bosun, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, 2 Firemen, 1 Radio Operator, 1 Cook and 5 or 6 Deckhands (Deckies).
The crew needed to have a number of skills. When the fishing gear was damaged by rocks on the seabed the crew were called upon to repair the nets or splice a snapped warp. Everybody worked fast. If the fishermen were not fishing they were not earning any money.
Pay for the fishermen was not good. The Skipper and Mate would receive shares based on the size of the catch and the amount it was sold for at auction. The deckies and engineers were paid a small wage plus a 'poundage' based on the size of the catch. Wives would draw their husbands' wages while they were at sea. By the time the trawlerman had paid any debts, paid for his 'bond' (the 'duty free' tobacco and alcohol that he took with him on a trip) and settled up for new clothes or other items that packed his kit bag, he would often end up with next to nothing. It was a hard life.
