The Lucrative Profession of Soviet Sailors

💼Sailors attended trade schools and worked domestic routes before progressing to international trips.

💰Through various earning opportunities, sailors could earn up to 1,000 rubles per month.

📝Sailors had to sign a written promise to abide by the rules of behavior as Soviet sailors abroad.

💵On top of their salary, sailors received additional per diem pay in foreign currency on international trips.

🌍Soviet sailors had opportunities to smuggle and trade goods for extra income, such as selling vodka and purchasing items for resale.

How did Soviet sailors increase their income?

—Soviet sailors had various methods of increasing their income. They would engage in shady deals, such as smuggling and trading goods, and bring back items like vodka, cigarettes, and cameras for resale. They would also save their per diem pay in foreign currency and sell it on the street or trade it for goods.

What were the earnings of Soviet sailors compared to other professions?

—While the average salary for a Soviet worker was around 150 rubles per month, sailors could earn up to 1,000 rubles per month. This made their income significantly higher than that of the average worker.

Were there any risks associated with the earning opportunities for Soviet sailors?

—Yes, there were risks involved. For example, selling foreign currency was illegal in the Soviet Union and could result in imprisonment. However, sailors preferred to trade goods instead of dealing with currency to avoid these risks.

How did Soviet sailors increase their income through international trips?

—On international trips, sailors received additional per diem pay in foreign currency. By saving and not spending this additional income, they could cash it out for a higher amount upon their return. They would often sell the foreign currency or use it to purchase goods for resale.

What were some of the popular goods that Soviet sailors would bring back for resale?

—Soviet sailors would bring back items such as Japanese boom boxes, American jeans, cameras, vodka, and caviar. These goods were in high demand and could be sold for a significant profit in the Soviet Union.

00:00Working as a sailor in the Soviet Union was a highly profitable profession.

00:07Sailors attended trade schools and worked domestic routes to gain experience before venturing into international trips.

01:10Sailors could earn up to 1,000 rubles per month through shady deals, such as selling vodka and engaging in other trading activities.

02:23Sailors had to sign a written promise to uphold the rules of behavior as Soviet sailors abroad, and breaking these rules could result in punishment.

04:09Sailors received additional per diem pay in foreign currency on international trips, further boosting their income.

09:58Sailors had various methods of increasing their income, including smuggling and trading goods, such as vodka, cigarettes, and cameras. They would also save their per diem pay in foreign currency and sell it on the street or trade it for goods.