Following the company's "Go to the Frontline" work plan, and in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of fishing vessels' offshore operations and production conditions, I successfully completed theoretical and practical training as well as passed the required examination. 10 In the latter part of the month, I was given a rare opportunity to go out to sea aboard a ship.

Before boarding the ship, my impression of fishing vessel operations still lingered—more or less—in the ingrained perception of hardship and danger, often summed up by phrases like "facing wind and waves." These impressions stemmed from snippets of stories shared by veteran sailors, as well as from society's traditional views on the fishing industry. Yet, when I stepped aboard this modernized fishing boat, I found myself transformed into a complete "witness"—a firsthand observer of how contemporary fisheries have utterly reshaped that very same perception.

At Haicheng Fishing Port, I boarded a 1,200-horsepower trawler. According to the captain, thanks to the government's supportive "Thousand-Vessel Transformation" policy, the appearance of these fishing vessels has significantly improved. The ship's cabins, dormitories, kitchens, and other areas have all been renovated and upgraded. Even the crew quarters now feature air conditioning, ensuring comfortable sleep no matter whether it’s scorching summer heat or bitter winter cold. In the kitchen, many components have been replaced with durable stainless steel materials, and even the bathroom boasts a sleek stainless-steel toilet—hygienic and refreshingly clean. The galley is fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, including refrigerators and fresh-food storage units, as well as a dedicated vegetable cooler, keeping stocks of vegetables, meat, eggs, and more abundantly stocked at all times. Onboard, a full-time chef takes care of everyone’s meals, serving three delicious, piping-hot dishes each day—complete with steamed buns and dumplings—and even offering freshly caught seafood for dinner. Chef Lao Li chuckled, “Cooking like this? Now that’s real food! Back in the day, we just made do.”

The flat deck of the trawler

Clean and comfortable dormitory

The chef is preparing lunch.

Dining Pavilion

Safety is the crew's top concern. In the cockpit, there’s brand-new Beidou navigation and collision avoidance radar, Fish Finder Satellite phones are fully equipped, serving as the ship’s “brain” and “eyes,” helping to plan routes, detect fish schools—with precision and efficiency. As the captain skillfully operates the system, he remarks: “The fleet has seen tremendous improvements in both hardware and software—things are simply not comparable anymore.” Watching the clear display on the screen, which shows the precise distribution of fish schools, detailed weather maps, and the real-time movements of surrounding vessels, I truly grasp what it means to have such advanced technology at sea. Smart Fisheries “Crew members are now not only safe, but   "Robust safeguards" have significantly boosted fishing efficiency, marking a stark contrast to the way we used to operate—relying heavily on veteran captains' experience and characterized by uncertainty.

Intelligent cockpit

In terms of labor protection, each crew member is provided free of charge with life jackets, safety helmets, and gloves; in winter, they also receive cotton-padded jackets, pants, and shoes. The life jackets are equipped with personal locators that automatically send out distress signals if a crew member falls into the water, while inflatable life rafts are conveniently located within easy reach, ensuring maximum safety for the sailors.

The crew on the work vessel have all put on their life jackets.

Fishing vessel operations 24 Time flies without pause—trawling is conducted by two boats simultaneously dragging a single net, and the net is hauled in at the end of each day based on the amount caught. 2-3 Next, after hauling in the nets, each crew member sorts the catch, plates it up, quick-freezes it, places it on trays, bags it, and finally stores it in the warehouse—thus completing the entire fishing process. Onboard, the sound of the bell serves as the command to begin operations. Throughout the workday, the spirit of "looking out for one another" has become an integral part of daily routines: a friendly reminder to wear life jackets properly, a subtle yet meaningful glance urging someone to secure their safety harness, or a gentle word advising caution when stepping onto the slippery deck—all these gestures reflect a bond of camaraderie that transcends mere workplace relationships. In today’s rule-of-law society, with advanced surveillance systems and dedicated complaint hotlines in place, there’s simply no room left for verbal abuse, bullying of newcomers, or even physical altercations among crew members.

The crew is hoisting the fishing net.

The crew is sorting the catch.

During a break, chatting casually with the crew, I learned that sailors are divided into regular workers and relief crew members. Before heading out to sea, they must check their documents, undergo safety training, purchase insurance, and sign a contract—only then are they allowed to set sail. Newcomers are always accompanied by experienced crew members. As for earnings, relief crew members receive a substitute wage. 500–700 Yuan / Heaven, one year 8 Months of time spent at sea, with an annual income of 10 For amounts exceeding 10,000 yuan, shipping is encouraged during the Spring Festival, particularly for long-term crew members. 10  Daily subsidy for Tian time  1000  In yuan, the higher the position, the greater the subsidy—and salaries are always paid on time and in full. With this kind of income, it’s more than enough to cover household expenses, making the crew feel that this job, though demanding, is "hard work but worthwhile." One older brother counted on his fingers as he calculated: "After eight months at sea, I can earn over 100,000 yuan, which means we’ve finally secured the funds to finish renovating our new home!"

Whenever night falls, the fishing boats glide smoothly across the sea under the captain’s skilled command. Gazing at the distant flickers of lantern-like lights from other vessels, I feel a warm surge well up inside me. This sea remains the same, yet the very purpose of venturing out has transformed. Today, cutting-edge, intelligent equipment ensures the safety of our crew; thoughtful care for their well-being safeguards their health; and fair rewards reassure our families back home. Thanks to all this, we have every reason to carry forward our aspirations for a better life, boldly forging ahead amid the waves of a new era!