# Empowering the Future of Fisheries: The National Modern Fishing Vessel Program
Transforming the maritime and fisheries landscape requires bold initiatives that bridge technological advancement with human resource development. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has introduced the ambitious Fishing Vessel Modernization Program to elevate fisherman productivity and strengthen the national capture fisheries sector. Between 2026 and 2028, a total of 1,582 modern fishing vessels will be systematically constructed. This strategic rollout features 1,000 vessels of 30 GT, 557 vessels of 200 GT, and 25 heavy-duty vessels of 500 GT. Outfitted with advanced gear such as Pelagic Purse Seines, Gill Nets, Handlines, Bottom Longlines, Tuna Pole Lines, and specialized transport vessels, this fleet is precisely engineered to match regional fishing grounds and local community demands.
## Boosting Economic Growth and Coastal Welfare
Beyond upgrading the national fleet, this sweeping modernization serves as a powerful catalyst for job creation and improved livelihoods within coastal communities. Operating a fleet of this scale requires a massive workforce of 20,094 professional Fishing Vessel Crew Members.
The workforce requirement is strategically divided into two vital segments:
* Officers (8,764 positions): Includes Captains, Chief Engineers, Fishing Masters, Mates, and Assistant Engineers.
* General Crew (11,418 positions): Includes Refrigeration Operators, Radio Operators, Oilers, Boatswains (Bossmen), and Deckhands.
## General Recruitment Requirements
Candidates aspiring to join this national initiative must meet a comprehensive set of foundational standards designed to ensure safety, capability, and professionalism at sea.
* Be an Indonesian Citizen (WNI).
* Possess a minimum educational background of Elementary School (SD) or equivalent, alongside functional literacy in Indonesian.
* Demonstrate sound physical health (free from physical disabilities) and mental well-being, verified by a medical certificate from a licensed healthcare facility confirming the absence of strabismus (crossed eyes) and color blindness.
* Maintain a clean record of good conduct, evidenced by a valid Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
* Provide an official drug-free certificate (NAPZA) proving total freedom from narcotics, psychotropics, and addictive substances.
* Hold a valid Job Seeker Card (AK-1) issued by the local Manpower Office.
* Commit unconditionally to completing all stages of the recruitment selection process.
* Agree to deployment on fishing vessels anywhere across Indonesian waters upon successful selection.
* Sign a formal statement of commitment to work aboard a modern fishing vessel for a minimum duration of one year.
* Hold a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II maritime safety certificate.
## Specific Role Qualifications
Applicants targeting specialized positions must fulfill targeted experience and certification benchmarks tailored to their desired operational roles.
1. Captain (Nakhkoda)
* Minimum of 3 years of proven experience serving as a Captain, backed by verifiable legal documentation.
* Valid competency certificate of at least SKN Navigation or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
2. Chief Engineer (KKM)
* Minimum of 3 years of proven experience serving as a Chief Engineer, supported by valid documentation.
* Valid competency certificate of at least SKN Engineering or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
3. Mate (Mualim)
* Valid competency certificate of at least SKN Navigation or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
* Fulfillment of sea-time experience through a minimum of 24 months of documented sailing time, OR active status as a graduate/cadet from a fisheries or non-fisheries education unit holding at least an ANKAPIN Level II competency certificate.
4. Assistant Engineer (Masinis)
* Valid competency certificate of at least SKN Engineering or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
* Fulfillment of sea-time experience through a minimum of 24 months of documented sailing time, OR active status as a graduate/cadet from a fisheries or non-fisheries education unit holding at least an ATKAPIN Level II competency certificate.
5. Refrigeration Operator
* Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience as a Refrigeration Operator, validated through official records.
6. Oiler (Oilman)
* Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in an engine room support capacity, verified by official documents.
7. Boatswain (Bosman)
* Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience leading deck operations as a Head Deckhand, supported by verifiable documentation.
8. Deckhand (Kelasi)
* Preference is given to candidates possessing a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II certificate.
* Prior hands-on experience working as a deckhand is highly advantageous.
## Administrative Documentation Checklist
To complete the application process successfully, candidates must compile and submit a complete dossier of administrative documents.
* Photocopy of the National Identity Card (KTP).
* Photocopy of the Family Card (KK).
* Two recent 4x6 cm color photographs featuring a red background.
* Photocopy of the Diploma, Graduation Certificate (STTB), or Letter of Completion (SKL).
* Photocopies of relevant fishing vessel competency or skill certificates.
* Photocopy of the Seaman’s Book (Buku Pelaut).
* Photocopy of the Job Seeker Card (optional).
* Official NAPZA Drug-Free Certificate.
* Valid Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
* Certificates or letters verifying prior work experience (if applicable).