General Hand on Factory Trawler Vessel

As a General Hand on a factory trawler vessel, you will work primarily in the factory processing area. This role is physically demanding, rewarding, and integral to the success of the crew.

Your duties will primarily focus on processing and packaging fish in the factory area. Additional responsibilities include: Assisting with general tasks to support the factory’s operation. Maintaining a positive attitude and contributing to a safety-sensitive team environment.

Trip schedule Standard: Two trips on, one trip off. You’ll work 6 weeks at sea, followed by a 2–3-day layover in Timaru before heading back out for another 6 weeks. After completing the second trip, you receive 6 weeks of paid time off. San Waitaki: A different schedule of 1 trip on (6 weeks) followed by 1 trip off (6 weeks) applies to this vessel. You are paid for your time off. Time in Timaru: During the 2–3-day layover, you may stay on the vessel or head home. Work during this period is optional. Trip Lengths: Trips may occasionally fall short of or exceed 6 weeks. You’ll be informed in advance if this happens.

Travel Costs: You are responsible for your travel expenses to Timaru for your trips on and back home for your trips off. Employer covers accommodation, a hot meal, and airport collection the day before heading to the vessel if necessary. This is only provided on your first voyage (we do not provide this for subsequent trips).

Shift pattern Work schedule: 8 hours on – 8 hours off, operating 24/7.

Income as an Independent Contractor Your income is based on a share of the catch rather than an hourly wage. You are NOT employed by the company

Daily advance payment $170.00 per sea day for most factory trawlers. Gross amount of $1,190.00 per week (based off 7 sea days). $127.50 per sea day for the San Waitaki (operating on a trip-on/trip-off schedule). Gross amount of $892.50 per week (based off 7 sea days).

Tax deductions Minimum of 20% withholding tax from your earnings (above). After tax, your income will vary depending on the number of sea days. More details are in your Contract for Services and Independent Contractor Information Sheet.

End-of-trip payments At the end of each trip, your share of the catch is calculated after quality checks. If your share exceeds the daily advance payments already received, you’ll receive an extra end-of-trip payment. These payments may be smaller during your initial trips but can increase as you progress in the role. You can earn a continuous engagement payment on your third trip, this is a lump sum of money per sea day, paid to you at the end of the trip. It increases the more trips you complete.

Living environment on the boat Shared cabins and bathrooms. Food provided for all meals. Wi-Fi access is available daily (limited). PPE, bedding, and laundry services are provided. Some vessels have fitness equipment for crew use.

The work is physically demanding, requiring strong fitness, stamina, and a willingness to adapt to challenges while working as part of a team. Ability to pass a drug and alcohol test along with a full medical check Convictions considered on a case by case basis - no fisheries convictions