# Revolutionizing the Fisheries Sector: The National Modern Fishing Vessel Program
Navigating toward a more prosperous and productive maritime future, the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has officially launched an ambitious Fishery Vessel Modernization Program. This strategic initiative aims to elevate fisherman productivity while fundamentally strengthening the national capture fisheries sector through advanced fleet upgrades.
Between 2026 and 2028, a total of 1,582 modern fishing vessels will be constructed in structured phases. This massive fleet expansion serves as a powerful economic catalyst, projected to generate thousands of new employment opportunities and significantly boost the welfare of coastal communities across the nation.
## Breakdown of the Modern Fishing Fleet Expansion
To accommodate diverse fishing grounds and local operational demands, the upcoming fleet consists of three primary vessel classifications equipped with specialized gear such as Pelagic Purse Seines, Gill Nets, Handlines, Bottom Longlines, Tuna Pole Lines, and designated carrier ships:
* 1,000 Units: 30 Gross Tonnage (GT) vessels
* 557 Units: 200 Gross Tonnage (GT) vessels
* 25 Units: 500 Gross Tonnage (GT) vessels
## Massive Employment Opportunities for Fishery Crew Members
Operating a modern fleet of this scale requires a vast, skilled workforce. The modernization roadmap demands a total of 20,094 Professional Fishery Crew Members (Awak Kapal Perikanan - AKP), carefully divided into specialized operational roles:
* 8,676 Officers: Comprising Captains, Chief Engineers, Fishing Masters, Mates, and Assistant Engineers.
* 11,418 Crew Members: Comprising Refrigeration Operators, Radio Operators, Oilers, Deck Bosses (Bosman), and General Deckhands.
## General Administrative and Health Requirements
Candidates aspiring to join this national maritime advancement must fulfill a comprehensive set of baseline criteria to ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance:
* Citizenship & Literacy: Must be an Indonesian Citizen (WNI) with a minimum education level of Elementary School (SD) or equivalent, possessing the ability to read and write in Indonesian.
* Health and Fitness: Physically and mentally sound, free from physical disabilities, strabismus (crossed eyes), and color blindness, verified by an official medical certificate issued by a licensed healthcare facility.
* Good Conduct: Possess a valid Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
* Drug-Free Status: Certified free from narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other addictive materials through an official NAPZA-free certificate.
* Employment Documentation: Hold a valid Job Seeker Card (AK-1) from the local Manpower Office.
Commitment: Willing to undergo all selection stages, accept placement anywhere across Indonesian waters, sign a mandatory one-year service agreement for modern fishing vessels, and hold a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II* maritime safety certificate.
## Specific Qualifications for Officer and Crew Positions
Depending on the targeted role, candidates must meet rigorous professional prerequisites and present verifiable work history:
1. Captains (Nakhkoda)
* Minimum of 3 years of verifiable experience acting as a Captain.
* Hold a valid competency certificate of at least SKN Nautical or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
2. Chief Engineers (Kepala Kamar Mesin / KKM)
* Minimum of 3 years of verifiable experience acting as a Chief Engineer.
* Hold a valid competency certificate of at least SKN Technical or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
3. Mates (Mualim)
* Hold a valid competency certificate of at least SKN Nautical or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
* Demonstrate at least 24 months of verified sailing experience, OR act as a graduate/active cadet from a Maritime Education and Training Unit holding at least an ANKAPIN Level II competency certificate.
4. Assistant Engineers (Masinis)
* Hold a valid competency certificate of at least SKN Technical or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
* Demonstrate at least 24 months of verified sailing experience, OR act as a graduate/active cadet from a Maritime Education and Training Unit holding at least an ATKAPIN Level II competency certificate.
5. Refrigeration Operators
* Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience operating refrigeration machinery, supported by official documentation.
6. Oilers (Oilman)
* Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience as an oiler, supported by official documentation.
7. Deck Bosses (Bosman)
* Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional work experience as a head deckhand, supported by official documentation.
8. Deckhands (Kelasi)
Preference is given to candidates holding a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II* certificate.
* Prior experience working as a deckhand is highly valued.
## Required Administrative Document Dossier
Applicants must prepare and submit a complete file containing the following documents during the registration process:
* Photocopy of the National Identity Card (KTP).
* Photocopy of the Family Card (KK).
* Two recent 4x6 cm color photographs with a red background.
* Photocopy of the Diploma / Graduation Certificate (STTB / SKL).
* Photocopy of relevant Fishery Crew Competency or Skill Certificates.
* Photocopy of the Seaman’s Book (Buku Pelaut).
* Photocopy of the Job Seeker Card (optional).
* Official NAPZA-free drug test certificate.
* Valid Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK).
* Letters verifying past work experience (if applicable).