Many prospective crew members ask, “If I work as a crew member on a fishing vessel, how many months is the contract usually?” This is an important question because working on an international fishing vessel means being away from family for a certain period and following a work system agreed upon before departure.
The answer is that there is no single contract duration that applies to all international fishing vessel crew members. The length of a fishing vessel crew contract can vary depending on the type of vessel, crew position, company or vessel owner, operating area, and the employment agreement that has been signed.
Therefore, prospective crew members should not rely solely on information from other workers’ experiences. The actual contract duration should be based on the employment agreement provided for the specific placement.
How Many Months Is a Fishing Vessel Contract?
An international fishing vessel crew contract may be arranged for a specific period or based on a voyage, depending on the applicable requirements and the agreement between the parties. International standards for fishers’ work agreements also recognize arrangements based on a definite period, a voyage, or, under certain circumstances, an indefinite period.
This means it would not be accurate to assume that every fishing vessel crew member has the same contract duration.
Several factors can influence the length of a contract:
| Factor | How It Can Affect the Contract |
|---|---|
| Vessel type | Net fishing vessels, squid fishing vessels, and other fishing vessels may have different operational requirements |
| Crew position | Each position can have different duties and responsibilities |
| Operating area | Vessels operating in distant waters may have different contract arrangements |
| Company/operator | Each company may have its own crew employment system |
| Work arrangement | Contracts may be based on a specific period or voyage |
| Employment agreement | The final duration must follow the agreement signed by the parties |
So, when searching for “how many months do you work on a fishing vessel?”, the most accurate answer is: check the employment contract for the specific position and vessel offered.
Don’t Just Ask About the Salary Read the Contract
Before departure, prospective crew members should understand the employment agreement as a whole. Contract duration is only one important part.
An employment agreement should clearly explain matters related to the employment relationship, including the crew member’s position, wages, contract duration or termination provisions, and repatriation arrangements according to the applicable rules and agreement.
Before signing a contract, prospective crew members should check the following:
1. Contract duration
Make sure you understand when the contract begins and ends, as well as the conditions governing its completion.
2. Position and duties
Understand the position you will hold and your responsibilities while working onboard.
3. Salary and payment system
Check the agreed salary, currency when working on a foreign vessel, payment schedule, and any additional components stated in the agreement.
4. Working hours and rest periods
Understand the applicable working and rest arrangements, as working onboard follows operational requirements and relevant regulations.
5. Costs and facilities
Make sure you understand which costs are the responsibility of each party and what facilities will be provided during employment.
6. Contract termination
Understand the circumstances under which the contract may end early and the procedures that must be followed.
7. Repatriation
Find out how the repatriation process will be handled after the contract ends and which party is responsible according to the agreement.
What Is Life Like During the Contract?
Unlike jobs on land, fishing vessel crew members live and work onboard the vessel during their placement period. Daily activities can be affected by the type of vessel, sea conditions, season, operational requirements, position, and the work system implemented by the operator.
Crew members may also work alongside people from different countries. On international fishing vessels, the ability to communicate, follow instructions, maintain discipline, and work as part of a team is an important part of life at sea.
For this reason, prospective crew members need to prepare themselves not only administratively but also physically, mentally, and professionally, including their ability to adapt to the working environment and follow vessel regulations.
Can a Fishing Crew Contract Be Extended?
A crew contract is not automatically extended simply because the previous contract has ended. An extension depends on the terms of the existing agreement, the needs of the company or operator, and the agreement between the parties.
Crew members who complete their contracts properly may build a work record that becomes part of their professional experience. However, the opportunity for another contract still depends on the availability of positions and the applicable recruitment and placement process.
Therefore, after completing a contract, crew members should maintain communication with the company or manning agency, keep their required documents up to date, and monitor opportunities for future placements.
What Happens After a Fishing Crew Contract Ends?
The employment journey does not necessarily end when the contract is completed.
The next stages may include:
Contract completion → repatriation process → experience evaluation → preparation for the next placement → potential new contract opportunity.
After completing a contract, crew members can also record their work experience, position, vessel type, and operational responsibilities as part of their professional record.
Keeping these documents and experience records organized can be useful when participating in future recruitment and selection processes.
The Role of PT RNT Utama Indonesia in Crew Placement
For prospective crew members, understanding the contract duration should be an important part of preparation before departure.
PT RNT Utama Indonesia supports the crew placement process through recruitment, selection, document preparation, placement coordination, pre-departure briefing, and deployment according to the requirements of each placement.
Throughout the process, information regarding the job and placement conditions should be clearly understood by prospective crew members before departure. For international fishing vessel employment, understanding the employment contract is particularly important because crew members will work in an environment that is very different from jobs on land.
As a prospective crew member, don’t just ask “How much is the salary?” Also ask: “How long is the contract, what are my duties, how does the work system operate, what are my rights and responsibilities, and what happens after the contract ends?”
Understanding these points from the beginning can help prospective crew members prepare more effectively for a career onboard an international fishing vessel.
Ready to Build Your Career as a Fishing Vessel Crew Member?
If you are looking for an international fishing vessel crew job, start preparing your documents, skills, physical condition, and professional readiness today. Follow the latest recruitment information from PT RNT Utama Indonesia and make sure you understand the placement terms before departure.
Interested in working onboard an international fishing vessel? Register with PT RNT Utama Indonesia and stay updated with the latest crew recruitment opportunities.
