# Transforming Indonesia's Fishing Industry: The National Modern Vessel Program
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has launched an ambitious Fishery Vessel Modernization Program designed to elevate the productivity of local fishermen and strengthen the nation's 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 at 30 GT, 557 vessels at 200 GT, and 25 heavy-duty vessels at 500 GT. Equipped with advanced gear such as Pelagic Purse Seines, Gill Nets, Handlines, Bottom Longlines, Tuna Pole Lines, and specialized transport ships, this initiative is carefully tailored to meet regional fishing conditions and local community needs. Beyond modernizing the national fleet, this massive undertaking aims to generate widespread employment and uplift the livelihoods of coastal communities across the archipelago.
## Massive Job Creation for Modern Fishery Crew Members
To successfully operate these 1,582 advanced vessels, the program requires a highly skilled workforce of 20,094 professional Fishery Crew Members. This workforce is divided into two primary categories:
* Officers (8,676 positions): Includes Captains, Chief Engineers, Fishing Masters, Mates, and Assistant Engineers.
* General Crew (11,418 positions): Includes Refrigeration Operators, Radio Operators, Oilers, Deckhands, and Bosuns.
## General Administrative Requirements for Applicants
Candidates aiming to join this national modernization project must fulfill a comprehensive set of foundational prerequisites before applying for specific roles.
* Citizenship & Literacy: Must be an Indonesian Citizen with a minimum educational background of elementary school (SD) or equivalent, possessing the ability to read and write in Indonesian.
* Health & Physical Fitness: Must be physically and mentally fit, free from physical disabilities, strabismus (crossed eyes), and color blindness. This must be validated by an official health certificate issued by a licensed medical facility.
* Character & Clean Record: Must possess a valid Police Record Certificate (SKCK) proving good conduct.
* Drug-Free Status: Must be entirely free from narcotics, psychotropic substances, and illegal drugs, confirmed by an official NAPZA-free certificate from an authorized institution.
* Employment Documentation: Must hold a Job Seeker Card (AK-1) issued by the local Manpower Office.
* Commitment to Placement: Must agree to participate in all recruitment stages, accept placement anywhere in Indonesian waters upon passing, and sign a binding agreement to work on modern fishing vessels for at least one year.
* Safety Certification: Must possess a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II safety certificate.
## Specific Professional Qualifications by Position
Depending on the desired career track, candidates must meet rigorous operational and certification standards tailored to each maritime role.
1. Captain (Nahkoda)
* Minimum of three years of documented experience serving as a Captain.
* Must hold a valid competency certificate, at least a Nautical SKN or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
2. Chief Engineer (KKM)
* Minimum of three years of documented experience serving as a Chief Engineer.
* Must hold a valid competency certificate, at least a Technical SKN or a 60-Mile Certificate of Competency (SKK).
3. Mate (Mualim)
* Must hold a valid nautical competency certificate (SKN or 60-Mile SKK).
* Must fulfill one of the following experience criteria: a minimum of 24 months of recorded sea time, or graduation/active cadet status from a marine training academy holding at least an ANKAPIN Level II competency certificate.
4. Assistant Engineer (Masinis)
* Must hold a valid technical competency certificate (SKN or 60-Mile SKK).
* Must fulfill one of the following experience criteria: a minimum of 24 months of recorded sea time, or graduation/active cadet status from a marine training academy holding at least an ATKAPIN Level II competency certificate.
5. Refrigeration Operator
* Minimum of two years of verified, relevant work experience operating refrigeration machinery.
6. Oiler (Oilman)
* Minimum of two years of verified, relevant work experience in engine room maintenance and oiling duties.
7. Bosun (Bosman)
* Minimum of two years of verified, relevant work experience supervising deck operations as a Lead Deckhand.
8. Deckhand (Kelasi)
* Preference is given to candidates possessing a valid Basic Safety Training for Fishing (BST-F) Level II certificate and prior experience working as a deckhand.
## Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit a complete file containing the following paperwork:
* Photocopy of the National Identity Card (KTP) and Family Card (KK).
* Two recent 4x6 color photographs with a red background.
* Photocopy of the Diploma, Graduation Certificate, or School Completion Letter.
* Photocopy of relevant fishery crew competency and skill certificates.
* Photocopy of the Seaman’s Book (Buku Pelaut).
* Photocopy of the local Manpower Office Job Seeker Card (optional).
* Official NAPZA Drug-Free Certificate.
* Valid Police Record Certificate (SKCK).
* Certificates of prior work experience (if applicable).