Deadliest Catch Fleet Profiles

The flagship of the Deadliest Catch fleet, FV Northwestern is captained by legendary Sig Hansen. The vessel pioneered the use of FleetBroadband satellite communications for medical consultations, famously enabling video calls with doctors from remote Bering Sea locations.

Communications Systems

Specialties & Approach

Operating Areas

• ▸Winter (Oct-Feb): Bering Sea King Crab (60°-65°N, 165°-175°W)
• ▸Spring (Mar-May): Gulf of Alaska Opilio Crab transition
• ▸Summer (Jun-Aug): Maintenance in port + Western Alaska grounds
• ▸Fall (Sep-Oct): Preparation for King Crab season

FV Wizard is famous for Captain Colburn's strategic competitive advantage of selectively disabling AIS to hide his position from competitors. When "going dark," the Wizard becomes invisible on public tracking platforms while maintaining required safety communications.

Communications Systems

Specialties & Approach

Operating Areas

• ▸Bering Sea King Crab operations
• ▸North Pacific fishing grounds
• ▸Strategic coastal navigation with AIS disabled
• ▸Seasonal migration between grounds

FV Time Bandit operates with the Hansen brothers and is known for aggressive fishing operations. The vessel maintains full communications transparency and relies on speed and crew skill for competitive advantage rather than information hiding tactics.

Communications Systems

Specialties & Approach

Operating Areas

• ▸Bering Sea King Crab
• ▸Opilio Crab operations
• ▸North Pacific grounds
• ▸Gulf of Alaska seasons

FV Cornelia Marie is captained by Jake Anderson and represents a focus on crew development and safety. The vessel maintains modern communications systems while emphasizing operational excellence and crew welfare.

Communications Systems

Specialties & Approach

Operating Areas

• ▸Bering Sea
• ▸Gulf of Alaska
• ▸Seasonal fishing grounds
• ▸Year-round operations