# Transforming the Seas: The Indonesian Fishery Vessel Modernization Program
Navigating toward a more prosperous and productive future, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has launched an ambitious national initiative to overhaul the domestic fishing fleet. This strategic undertaking aims to elevate the standard of capture fisheries while significantly boosting the economic output of coastal communities. By upgrading maritime infrastructure and deploying advanced technology, the government is setting a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient marine resource management across the archipelago.
## The Scope of the National Fishery Vessel Modernization Initiative
Scheduled for rollout in phases between 2026 and 2028, the program involves the construction of 1,582 modern fishing vessels designed to handle various operational scales and fishing grounds. This massive fleet expansion is categorized into three primary vessel classes:
* 1,000 Units of 30 GT Vessels: Ideal for coastal and regional operations.
* 557 Units of 200 GT Vessels: Built for deeper waters and extended journeys.
* 25 Units of 500 GT Vessels: Heavy-duty ships designed for large-scale operations.
To maximize efficiency, these ships will feature specialized gear—such as Pelagic Purse Seines, Gill Nets, Handlines, Bottom Longlines, Tuna Longlines, and Pole Lines—alongside dedicated transport vessels tailored to local fishing grounds.
## Employment Opportunities and Workforce Requirements
Beyond upgrading national maritime power, this modernization drive serves as a powerful catalyst for job creation, offering a path to enhanced prosperity for coastal populations. Operating a fleet of this magnitude requires a massive influx of skilled labor, creating a demand for 20,094 Professional Fishery Crew Members (AKP).
The workforce is divided into two major operational categories:
* 8,676 Officers: Including Captains, Chief Engineers, Fishing Masters, Mates, and Assistant Engineers.
* 11,418 General Crew Members: Comprising Refrigeration Operators, Radio Operators, Oilers, Bossums, and Deckhands.
## General Administrative and Health Prerequisites
Candidates aspiring to join this national fleet must meet a strict baseline of administrative, physical, and psychological standards to ensure safe operations at sea. The mandatory general requirements include:
* Nationality & Literacy: Must be an Indonesian Citizen with a minimum education of Elementary School (SD) or equivalent, possessing the ability to read and write in Indonesian.
* Health and Fitness: Physically sound with no physical disabilities, free from strabismus (crossed eyes) and color blindness, verified by an official health certificate from a licensed medical facility.
* Legal Standing: Clean background check demonstrated by a valid Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
* Drug-Free Status: Certified free from narcotics, psychotropic substances, and addictive drugs through an official NAPZA clearance letter.
* Employment Documentation: Possession of a Job Seeker Card (AK-1) from the local Manpower Office.
* Commitment: Willingness to undergo all selection stages, accept deployment anywhere in Indonesian waters, and sign a minimum one-year employment contract for modern fishing vessels.
* Safety Certification: Possession of a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II certificate.
## Specific Professional Qualifications for Crew Roles
Depending on the targeted position, applicants must fulfill tailored experience and certification benchmarks:
1. Captain (Nakhkoda)
* At least 3 years of verifiable experience as a Captain.
* Valid competency certificate: minimum SKN Nautical or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
2. Chief Engineer (KKM)
* At least 3 years of verifiable experience as a Chief Engineer.
* Valid competency certificate: minimum SKN Technical or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
3. Mate (Mualim)
* Valid competency certificate: minimum SKN Nautical or a 60-Mile SKK.
* Either a minimum of 24 months of verified sea-time experience OR graduation/active cadet status from a Fishery Training Institution with at least an ANKAPIN Level II certificate.
4. Assistant Engineer (Masinis)
* Valid competency certificate: minimum SKN Technical or a 60-Mile SKK.
* Either a minimum of 24 months of verified sea-time experience OR graduation/active cadet status from a Fishery Training Institution with at least an ATKAPIN Level II certificate.
5. Specialized Operators (Refrigeration/Radio/Oilman/Bossum)
* Minimum of 2 years of proven, relevant work experience in the applied specialized position, backed by official documentation.
6. Deckhands (Kelasi)
* Preference is given to candidates with a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II certificate and prior experience as a deckhand.
## Required Application Documents
To apply for the Fishery Vessel Modernization Program, candidates must prepare a complete administrative dossier containing the following items:
* Copy of National Identity Card (KTP) and Family Card (KK).
* Two recent 4x6 cm color photographs with a red background.
* Copy of Diploma / Graduation Certificate (STTB / SKL).
* Copies of maritime competency and skill certificates.
* Copy of the Seaman’s Book (Buku Pelaut).
* Copy of the local Job Seeker Card (optional).
* Official NAPZA (Drug-Free) clearance letter.
* Valid Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
* Certificates of past work experience (if applicable).