Fishing Industry Labour Agreement

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Sponsor Skilled Overseas Workers for Your Fishing Business

The Fishing Industry Labour Agreement allows Australian fishing companies to sponsor skilled overseas workers in six specialist maritime and seafood roles—on temporary or permanent visas. Terms are set and non-negotiable, with some concessions available by visa subclass and regional location.

Eligible Occupations

You can only sponsor the following positions:

Deck Hand (ANZSCO 899211)
Fishing Hand (ANZSCO 899212)
Master Fisher (ANZSCO 231211)
Ship’s Engineer (Fishing Industry) (ImmiAccount code 070499)
Ship’s Master (ANZSCO 231213)
Ship’s Officer (ANZSCO 231214)
Seafood Process Worker (ANZSCO 831313, only in Category 2 & 3 regional locations)

Visa Options

You may nominate workers for:

Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

Key Tasks & Role Descriptions

Deck and Fishing Hands:

Handling ropes/wires, mooring, safety watches
Assisting cargo and catch operations
Operating/maintaining deck equipment and safety gear
Setting, hauling, and handling nets, traps, and lines
Sorting, preserving, refrigerating, and stowing the catch

Master Fisher, Ship’s Engineer, Ship’s Master, Ship’s Officer, Seafood Process Worker:

See ANZSCO definitions (Ship’s Engineer tasks per ANZSCO 231212, but for fishing vessels)

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Deck Hand, Fishing Hand:
- 2 years’ recent relevant overseas experience (sea-time/log book)
- OR 1 year’s relevant Australian experience
- Safety and rescue certificates (STCW 1978/Amended)
- First aid certificate (within 12 months, or renewed in Australia after arrival if older)

Other roles:
- Meet ANZSCO requirements for qualifications and experience (see template above)

English Language Requirements

Deck/Fishing Hands:
- 482: IELTS 4.5 overall (no minimum per band)
- 186: IELTS 5.0 overall (min 4.5 per band)
- 494: IELTS 5.0 overall (no minimum per band, Category 2/3 only)
Other roles:
- 482: IELTS 5.0 overall (min 4.5 per band for Category 1; no minimum per band for Category 2/3)
- 186: IELTS 5.0 overall (min 4.5 per band)
- 494: IELTS 5.0 overall (no minimum per band, Category 2/3 only)
Employers must provide interpreter support during induction, English materials, and ensure sufficient workplace English for safety/compliance.

Salary (TSMIT/CSIT) & Employment Conditions

Pay at least market salary or visa program threshold—whichever is higher.
In Category 3 regional areas: pay may be 90% of TSMIT (494) or CSIT (482/186).
Full-time employment only.
Where pay is a share of catch, total earnings must not be less than an Australian in the same role—if so, you must pay the difference.
Deductions only with written worker consent and in line with Australian law.

Age Requirements

No age limit for 482 (Skills in Demand) visa.
186/494 visas:
- Category 1: Standard age limits (usually under 45)
- Category 2/3: Up to 55 years

How to Apply

Check occupation and visa eligibility for your business/region
Prepare evidence (business need, compliance, labour market testing, safety, pay, training)
Apply through ImmiAccount for Fishing Industry Labour Agreement
Sponsor full-time skilled workers for 482, 494, or 186 visas (after 3 years)

Program Concessions

English, salary, and age concessions in regional locations (Categories 2 & 3)
Seafood Process Worker role only available in Categories 2 & 3

Need Help with the Fishing Industry Labour Agreement?

Our migration team helps you navigate all requirements, prepare your application, and secure overseas fishing crew safely and legally.

📞 Call us: 0485 907 989
📧 Email: jade@jadeimmigrationlawyers.com.au
📝 Submit an online enquiry or
📅 Book a consultation We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Related Pages & Further Reading

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Labour Agreement services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

Which roles are eligible under Fishing LA?

Deck Hand, Fishing Hand, Master Fisher, Ship’s Engineer, Ship’s Master, Ship’s Officer, and (in Category 2/3) Seafood Process Worker.

Which visas are available?

482, 494, and 186 (after 3 years).

Are there English/salary concessions?

Yes, especially for regional locations.

What documentation is required?

Proof of skills, experience, safety and first aid certificates, English results, and employment conditions.

No. Only full-time positions are eligible.