SOUTHERN ROCK LOBSTER
Approximately 75% of the rock lobster fleet is greater than 12 metres in length. By law, these vessels are required to have a skipper and a deckhand, however, there are some exemptions in place, meaning no crew is required. Majority of the remaining vessels are in the 10 – 12 m size range.
There is a distinct separation of the investment sector and catching sector of the wild caught Tasmanian rock lobster industry. This has created a level of concern and conflict between fishers paying high lease prices per quota unit to investors.
There is an opportunity for deckhands to upskill and take over the role of skipper on existing fleet vessels.
Learn more from the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermens Association
CAREERS IN THE ROCK LOBSTER INDUSTRY
Skipper
Skipper qualifications vary from Coxswain 2 to Master 4 Certificates of Competency, depending on the vessel length
On the job:
Master of the vessel, responsible for all fishing operations.
Skipper is also responsible for sale of the catch once landed.
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Skipper either owns or leases quota for Southern Rock Lobster. Take home wage is the amount after boat expenses and deckhand have been paid.
Licence:
Fishing Licence Personal
+
Fishing Licence (rock lobster)
Deckhand
Experience preferred.
ESS and First Aid.
On the job:
General deck duties, hauling, retrieving, baiting pots at sea.
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Based on a share-of-catch arrangement. Up to around 15% of the catch. Very few skippers pay an hourly/trip rate in Tasmania. The employer (skipper) must also pay the compulsory superannuation amount.
Learn about careers in each sector